By Henry Emeana
Sen. Hope Uzodimma , Governor, of Imo State has called on security agencies to chase criminals from all hideouts, smoking joints where marijuana and other dangerous drugs are sold and used in the state.
Gov Uzodinna made the call in Owerri , during the presentation of security vehicles and gadgets to operation search and flush team, on Wednesday.
He said,”any landlord who avails his property to criminals, even smokers of weeds would be answerable to the law. In like manner, any traditional ruler in whose domain criminals abides and who fails to report same to relevant authorities will be held accountable.”
The governor said ,”our government can never be intimidated by criminals and their sponsors. It also reaffirms our commitment to the protection of lives and property of all citizens of the state including those on transit.”
He assured that his administration shall be integrating the Imo State Vigilante outfit, otherwise known as Ebubeagu to complement the efforts of Operation Search and Flush, in fighting crime in the state in the coming week.
He said they can no longer tolerate a situation whereby our state is used as a breeding haven for criminals.
To the good people of Imo State and residents, I say to you, you are Safe; go about your lawful engagements without any fear of molestation. No shaking. Your safety is guaranteed,he averred.
According to him,”you will recall that just a few days after I assumed office as the governor of Imo State, I inaugurated the security outfit known as Operation Search and Flush,(OSF), which brought together all the different security agencies to work as a team to fight every form of criminality. The objective then and now is to rout and root out every aspect of crime in our state. I empowered the outfit then with a record of 100 patrol vehicles and sophisticated communication equipments to help them achieve the objective. There is no doubt that that intervention yielded positive results, the recent pockets of crime here and there notwithstanding.”
“Let me; therefore, commend the heads of security agencies in Imo State and their men for their supportive roles in keeping Imo State and her citizenry safe. No matter what might have happened recently, the gallantry and sacrifices of these patriotic officers have never been in doubt. May I use this opportunity to commiserate with families of the officers who paid the supreme price in the course of executing their lawful duties. My administration will always do the needful to cushion the pains of these losses”
