Following growing concerns over kidnapping and killings in Imo State, thick bushes taken over by kidnappers, youths, community leaders, and army operatives have joined forces to flush out all criminal elements.
The fears ensued after some neighbouring states flushed out kidnappers, bandits, drug dealers, internet fraudsters, and witch doctors, which made the Imo State government begin proactive steps to forestall the influx of such people into the State.
From Umulolo, Umukele, Ihube, and Aku in Okigwe local government area to Ihioma and Akattah in Orlu, Ezioha, Umuene, and Afara in Mbaitoli, Arondizogu, Umuchu, Ezeala in Ideato North, Ihitte in Ngor Okpala, and several others, locals are rising up to security consciousness across the 27 councils in Imo state.
Bushes and areas hitherto taken over by criminals in the state are gradually being recovered by communities backed by operatives of the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze in Owerri.
While locals point out hidden spaces, army operatives guided by professionalism and bearing arms help communities recover spaces, reflecting peace and safer communities.
It is gratifying to note that this had resulted in the arrest of suspected criminals in the bushes armed to the teeth.
One must commend the operatives of the 34 Artillery Brigade, who embark on night patrols daily to ensure Imo people and residents sleep with their two eyes closed, drastically reducing night attacks across the state.
One of the youths, Okey Okere, said it had helped to make their Ihitte community safer and their female farmers a little relaxed about farming, which, according to him, was threatened by the activities of criminals hiding in bushes under the cover of darkness.
Surprisingly, Army personnel on night patrols burst. Police operatives attached to Tiger base at the State command during the wee hours dressed in mufti and unmarked vehicles but heavily armed, unable to explain their activity at that moment.
The Imo state commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon Modestus Osakwe, in synergy with security agencies, has called on community leaders to know and profile their residents, which is aimed at ensuring safe spaces for people.
Only recently, youths from Umuokanne inspired by their retired Police chief, now traditional ruler, Eze Dr Chiedoziem Nwokoma, in the Ohaji/Egbema local government area rescued a female trader, Mrs Obiageli Ogugua, from her Kidnappers inside the inside Oforola forest through the community security system.
One thing is obvious: locals have decided to ensure the safety of their communities by owning the security process. One hopes that the Imo state will soon rank as the safest place in Nigeria.
