Residents of Owerri in Imo State have expressed concern after suspected former operatives of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) were reportedly seen patrolling the streets under a new name, “Monitoring and Compliance.”
Residents alleged that members of the group were seen moving from IMSU Junction through Orji Flyover, operating illegally.
This came just a few days after Governor Hope Uzodimma suspended ENTRACO and its officials over reported continued harassment and intimidation of innocent residents.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden appearance raised questions about the effectiveness of the suspension order by the governor.
Some of the residents claimed that the operatives were allegedly led by one young man popularly known as Madoka, alongside one Tapey.
One of the residents, who did not mention his name for fear of being attacked, said, “Their presence has heightened concerns that the suspended agency has merely resurfaced under a different name.
“If ENTRACO was suspended for misconduct, how come these same men are back on the streets, even more brazenly? Is this not a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul?” he queried.
The residents called on the state government to swiftly launch a surveillance on these men and their activities to avoid the repeat of the ugly incident in the state.
He said, “Many Owerri residents believe the reappearance is less about law enforcement and more an attempt to defy the suspension,” describing it as a troubling disregard for public order. “It is time for the governor, Hope Uzodimma, to intervene and rein in the operatives,” he added, insisting that Owerri “is not a lawless space and that Imolites deserve proper protection from these hoodlums.”
