By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri
At least three people have been confirmed dead in Imo state following a fresh attack by armed ‘gentlemen’ on Tuesday.
The gunmen, according to reports, struck at Orogwe in Owerri-west LGA of Imo killing two pedestrians, and later killed another at Ndegwu after having field day in the area.
This is coming a day after the vehicle of a former Enugu Psychiatrist Director was snatched while he visited the area for a business.
Further reports had it that the Traditional Ruler of Nguru Nweke Autonomous community in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo state, His Royal Highness, Eze J.N.Nnamdi, was on same Monday, brutally murdered during a cabinet meeting at his palace.
An indigene of Orogwe community who pleaded anonymity said the people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. Many, he said, have run away from the community for fear of the unknown because according to him, ‘it’s a daily occurrence and the scare had increased to an unbearable level.
Hear him, “It’s sad and terrifying. Ndegwu, Orogwe and other neighbouring communities in Owerri West no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. Yesterday two people were killed at Orogwe while one was killed at Ndegwu by same attackers.
“They’re armed robbers. Recall that a former Enugu Psychiatrist Director had his vehicle snatched from him on Monday. Where is the CP’s show of force” ? I thought they have moved into the rural areas as the command earlier promised.
“It’s a daily occurrence, and I’m sure the command was aware of the snatching of the former Enugu psychiatrist Director because after the incident police, army besieged the scene with armoured carriers.
“Our communities need real community policing, the Commissioner of Police should send his patrol teams here to beef up security network because leopard being killed on a daily basis.”
But when contacted, the Imo state police Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, said the command had yet to be briefed on the incident.
He said, “I am yet to receive an official report on the cases, but one thing you must know is that you cannot completely eradicate crime from any society. The aim of the Command is to drastically reduce it in Imo state and make sure that if committed the offenders are being detected, apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“We also have to be security conscious, don’t forget ‘if you see something say something’. You see anyone with firearms report to the police, anyone making suspicious move, report. Let’s enlighten the public on the need to partner with the police most especially in divulging actionable intelligence and information. Policemen are also human beings.”
