The Imo State Government has intensified actions against criminal elements who engage in pick-pocketing and other related crimes against unsuspecting members of the public as it demolished some shanties allegedly used by the criminals.
The move followed cases of suspected robbery, ranging from snatching of handsets and bags within Owerri, the state capital and environs.
Addressing journalists on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, said the action became necessary following resurfacing of shanties earlier demolished at Avu Junction in Owerri West LGA.
He said that his office received intelligence reports that some of the makeshift structures earlier pulled down had been quickly rebuilt and were once again being used as criminal hideouts.
Nwaneri narrated that on their arrival at the area that his team met shanties which were formerly cleared.
Our correspondent reports that security operatives who accompanied the enforcement team also recovered arms and other dangerous weapons, which were immediately handed over to the relevant authorities.
The Avu Junction axis, situated behind the correctional facility, according to our correspondent, has been identified in recent weeks as a dangerous area where criminal elements converged.
Residents, who witnessed the operation, expressed gratitude to the state government for what they described as sustained commitment to making their environment safe.
Nwaneri reaffirmed that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration will not relent until all criminal hideouts across the State are dismantled.
He added that the governor has given directives that there must be no room for criminals in the State.
Nwaneri pointed out that there will be similar follow-up actions at other identified black spots to ensure criminals are permanently denied any operational base in the state.
