Uba Calls for Military Action Against Kidnapping Camps in Imo
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jackson Chioma
OWERRI, Imo State — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Mbaitoli State Constituency, Mazi Chinonso Uba Nonsonkwa, has called on the Imo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes along major highways and communities across the state.
Uba made the call while reacting to reports of the abduction of more than 30 passengers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
According to him, the latest incident is part of a pattern of kidnappings allegedly carried out by armed groups operating around parts of Imo State.
He also alleged that a family travelling in a Toyota Highlander was abducted along the same axis about two weeks earlier and that a ransom of N29 million was reportedly paid for their release.
Uba expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged insecurity along the Owerri-Onitsha corridor and other parts of the state, saying residents and travellers should not continue to live in fear.
He alleged that some criminal groups had established hideouts in forested areas of the state, mentioning locations including Ihiagwa, Nekede, Eziobodo, Okolochi, Avu, Oforola, Obinze, Umuguma, Obibiezena, Amakohia-Ubi, Ejemekwuru, Agwa, Irete, Orogwe, Ogbaku and Umunoha.
The ADC candidate further claimed that some of the criminal elements operating in Imo had previously operated around Umunneochi in Abia State before allegedly relocating to parts of Imo.
Uba accused the Imo State Government of failing to publicly and sufficiently address what he described as persistent kidnapping incidents in the state. He said the government should provide information on measures being taken to secure vulnerable communities and highways.
He also referred to rumours alleging possible links between government officials and criminal activities in the state, but did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
“The silence should stop,” Uba said, urging the state government to address public concerns and demonstrate its commitment to protecting residents and travellers.
He called on the Nigerian military and other security agencies to intensify operations against kidnapping camps and other criminal hideouts across Imo State.
Uba particularly urged security agencies to sustain operations against criminal camps regardless of the identity or affiliation of those occupying them, saying the protection of lives and property should remain the priority.
He appealed for coordinated action by the military, police and other security agencies to prevent further kidnappings and restore confidence among residents and road users.
