The Nsokpo community in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, has raised the alarm over repeated kidnappings and armed attacks, urging Governor Hope Uzodinma to urgently deploy security personnel to the area.
The community also appealed to the state government to rehabilitate two major roads linking its four villages to neighbouring communities and markets, saying insecurity and the deteriorating road network have disrupted farming, trading and movement of residents.
In a petition to the governor, the Nsokpo Dynamic Association, a body of young professionals from the community, said suspected herdsmen and other criminal elements operating from surrounding bushland had intensified attacks in recent months, forcing farmers off their fields, traders to close early and parents to keep their children indoors before nightfall.
The Association called for sustained day and night security patrols in the community, as well as a coordinated combing operation of the Nwaogwugwu land and bush axis between Ogbaku and Umunoha and the adjoining bushes around Nsokpo.
It also sought government support for community policing, including resources for local vigilante groups working in collaboration with formal security agencies.
According to the Association, Nsokpo’s location along the gateway to Owerri, the state capital, makes its security strategically important, as securing the community would help prevent criminal activities from spreading towards the state capital.
On infrastructure, the group identified the Nsokpo–Ifakala to Nwaorieubi Road and the Nsokpo–Lawa–Ohi Road as major routes requiring urgent reconstruction.
It said the deplorable condition of the roads had made transportation difficult, costly and dangerous, particularly during the rainy season, while slowing the movement of farm produce, increasing transport costs and restricting access to commercial centres.
The community also requested streetlights along dark and high-risk sections of the roads to improve security and facilitate safer movement at night.
“We are requesting basic security measures for the community,” the Association said, expressing confidence that the governor, working with security agencies, could address the challenges promptly.
The Association said its two appeal letters had been delivered to the Government House, with copies sent to the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner of Police, Director of the DSS in Imo State, Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Garrison Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development and the Executive Chairman of Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
