Senator Rochas Okorocha has brought attention to the deteriorating safety situation in Imo State following the killing of a policeman along the Okigwe-Enugu Expressway. Okorocha made this revelation during a visit to Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s residence, who was the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 11 Imo State governorship election.
Having served as the Imo governor from May 2011 to 2019 and subsequently as Imo West Senator from 2019 to 2023, Okorocha expressed deep concern over the incident. The slain policeman was a member of the security detail assigned to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who had directed his armed security operatives to accompany Okorocha to the burial ceremony of Chief Emeka Ihedioha’s mother, Dame Dorothy Ihedioha, on Friday.
Okorocha expressed his anger, highlighting that he had spent two days in Enugu without any security issues. However, it was upon his return to his home state that the convoy assigned to him by Governor Mbah came under attack, resulting in the tragic death of a policeman.
The former governor recounted attending the burial of Mrs. Ken Nnamani in Enugu, during which Governor Mbah instructed his police operatives to accompany Okorocha to Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise, in Imo State for Dame Ihedioha’s burial. After the burial event, Okorocha had safely returned to his residence in Owerri, while the security operatives were attacked on their way back to Enugu State.
Reports indicate that the convoy, consisting of a Sport Utility Vehicle, a bus, and a Hilux, was heavily damaged by bullets near Ihube along the Okigwe-Enugu Expressway. An anonymous source disclosed that two other security agents were initially kidnapped by the attackers but were later released on the same day.
The incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security of individuals in Imo State. Okorocha’s revelation serves as a call to action for authorities to address these rising safety issues and ensure the protection of residents and visitors alike.
By shedding light on this unfortunate incident, Senator Rochas Okorocha aims to draw attention to the urgent need for improved security measures in Imo State, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment for all its citizens.