Nsokpo Community Calls for Help Over Security and Road Issues

Residents of Nsokpo Community in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, are asking the state government to quickly tackle the growing insecurity and the bad condition of major roads that connect their community to nearby areas.

This request was made in a statement released on Monday by the Nsokpo Dynamic Association. This is a group of young professionals from the community. The statement was signed by the President, Onyejiaka Mark, and the Secretary-General, Chukwudi Ohiri.

The association claimed that Nsokpo has faced repeated kidnappings and armed attacks in recent months. They believe these attacks are from suspected herders and other criminals hiding in the nearby bushes.

This situation has disrupted daily life for residents. Farmers are scared to go to their farms, traders are closing their shops before it gets dark, and parents are keeping their children indoors much earlier than usual.

The statement said, "Nsokpo has suffered repeated kidnappings and armed attacks in recent months, blamed on suspected herdsmen and criminal elements operating from surrounding bushland."

It continued, "Farmers are afraid to work their land, traders are closing shops before dusk, and parents are keeping children indoors long before nightfall."

The association is urging Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure there are regular security patrols in their community, both during the day and at night, to prevent further attacks.

They also asked for a coordinated security operation to check the Nwaogwugwu land and bush area between Ogbaku and Umunoha, as well as the bush areas close to Nsokpo.

The group is also calling for government support for community policing efforts. They want resources for local vigilante groups to work alongside official security agencies.

"We are requesting basic security measures for the community," the association said. They believe that help from the state government and security agencies can solve the problem.

The group also raised alarms about the bad state of the Nsokpo, Ifakala, Nwaorieubi Road and the Nsokpo, Lawa, Ohi Road.

They reported that these roads have become so bad that traveling has turned into a difficult, costly, and dangerous task, especially during the rainy season.

The association noted that the poor condition of the roads has slowed down the movement of farm produce, raised transportation costs, and limited the community's access to business opportunities.

They are pleading with the government to rebuild the two roads and install streetlights in dark and risky areas to boost security at night.

The association pointed out that Nsokpo is strategically located on the way to Owerri, the state capital. They believe that securing the community will help protect the route from crime.

They stated that a quick response from the government would enhance safety and economic activities for residents and restore access to neighboring communities and markets.