By 
Worried by upsurge in insecurity, the Association of Ngor Okpala Journalists (ANOJ), has expressed concern over security breaches in parts of Ngor Okpala Local government Area of lmo State, particularly around the Sam Mbakwe airport, Umuowa-Ihitte-Umuhu-Okpala axis along Owerri-Aba Expressway.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman, Comrade Athan Agbakwuru and Comrade Henry Amadi, the Secretary, they alleged that the Association have it on good authority that the adjoining vast bushes in the mentioned areas have become the hideouts and safe haven to the daredevil terrorists.
ANOJ said recent reports, confirmed and unconfirmed, indicate that the above-mentioned areas have been taken over and are currently under siege by bandits/terrorists.
The Association said between Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd December 2025, there were reported incidents of attacks on unsuspecting motorists allegedly resulting in abduction and killing of passengers by the suspected bandits/terrorists.
ANOJ noted that the attack on the Advance Team of Abia State Governor’s Office that was heading to the Imo Airport is one case too many and a clear pointer to the alarming wave of the terrorists’ menace.
The association added that available information further revealed that many decomposing corpses and personal valuables belonging to attacked victims were discovered in the bushes during separate periodic combing exercises by the Ihitte Okwe, Umuowa, and Umuhu communities.
It said, “There is a military checkpoint at Umuowa, the Airport Junction, a few metres away from where bandits are holding sway and having a field day.
“Most worrisome is the fact the ease with which they operate and no proactive or responsible action taken to foil any attack or apprehend the culprits during or after operations.
Continuing, “The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, and his men and the military in Ngor Okpala should rise to the occasion and fish and flush out the criminals without further delays.
ANOJ called on Imo State Police Command, Military and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in collaboration with community vigilante and youth groups to wake up and clear the bushes of unwanted residents therein.
The association also urged traditional rulers, religious and political leaders and everyone in Ngor Okpala to be vigilant and ready to assist security agencies with factual information to enable them get to the root of the menace.
It added, “The strategic position of Ngor Okpala as the host to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, Owerri, and a link to Abia, Rivers States and Imo State makes it inevitably imperative for immediate and urgent action against the rising wave of banditry in the area.
While commending the efforts of the Imo State Police Command, the association urged authorities to sustain the crackdown until the culprits are brought to book and made to face the full wrath of the law.
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