SeverSeveral notable
citizens are now fleeing the Eastern Heartland,Imo State as an unprecedented
upsurge in kidnapping and killings has taken over the once peaceful state.
Our investigation
carried by our correspondence in the three geo political zones of Owerri,Okigwe
and Orlu shows a state under siege since the assumption of office by Owelle
Rochas Okorocha as governor.
What started as mere
pockets of kidnapping has now snowballed into full time business with prominent
citizens been killed and maimed on a daily basis with no respite from the State
Government.
Some of those
kidnapped recently included the former speaker of the state House of assembly
Hon Dikeocha who spent over 33 days in the kidnappers custody, while Dikeocha may
count himself lucky,Pastor Anselm Iwuala, who was on his way
to his country home, Egberede Nguru, Aboh Mbaise local council area of Imo
State, was abducted by gunmen along the ever busy Okpala-Mbaise road…He was
killed even after the family has paid N500,000 ransom for his release.
Several prominent citizens of the State including
caretaker LGA committee members, business men and politicians have at one time
or the other fallen victim to this criminals..The activities of kidnappers is
now gradually affecting the economic and social live of citizens of the state..Those
spoken to especially in Owerri said they no longer move around in one accord. A
story was told how a man was abducted as he was leaving a church recently. He
is yet to be released.
Several well meaning citizens of the state have also
decided to stay away from the state for now for fear of been kidnapped. Some preferred
staying in Port Harcourt and Enugu where their relations visits them before
jetting back to their destinations.
It is yet to be known where and how those societal
malady started, but its obvious that Owelle Rochas Okorocha flamboyant life
style and governance style has given the impression that there is so much money
to be made in Imo State.
It is yet to be seen how Okorocha government is going
to tackle the upsurge if his developmental programmes is to be achieved.It will
be recalled that the State Government resuscitated and relaunched its security
outfit with the provision of additional vehicles and equipment..
The State government also used the event to parade
several youths which it termed kidnappers at the Dan Anyiam Stadium during the
launch..All attempt to speak with officials of the State government on this
issue was rebuffed……CKN