Continuous gunshots by the army and police at several parts of Owerri, the Imo state capital, have become a source of worry to residents of the hospitality town.
On Tuesday, there were simultaneous gunshots at Ama Hausa and Ama JK, Mbaise Road, Douglas road and Wetheral road, amongst other strategic points in the city.
Residents also reported increasing killings by security agencies cracking down on militants operating in the area.
The night-time actions by the security agencies have destabilized economic activities in the city with residents scampering home just before 7.pm. in order to escape being killed or arrested by the army or police.
A resident who gave his name as Ugochukwu said his older brother Chijioke was shot dead by the army on Monday while driving home from the hospital where he had gone to see his wife who put to bed.
Ugochukwu said that the family has been thrown into mourning since the killing of his brother by the army, adding that the family needs justice as Chijioke was not a member of any group.
Standard Observers had reported indiscriminate arrests of residents in several parts of the state, especially Orlu, Oguta, Owerri and Ohaji have continued.
The Imo State Police Command also said that it has activated the OPERATION SEARCH AND FLUSH, with the CP ordering his men to ‘neutralise bandits’.
Many residents of Orlu, Oguta and Ohaji have cried out over the incessant arrests and killing of their loved ones.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, while deploying the men charged them to do their jobs creditably and ensure that the interest of the members of the public is paramount while discharging their duties, a statement from Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, the public relations officer of the command said.
He also warned them to be swift in the response to distress calls. He also charged them to neutralise any bandit seen in order to ensure that Imo State returns to its rightful place as the most peaceful state not just in the South East but the nation at large.
The CP informed the men that the state government led by Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodinma has made adequate arrangement for their welfare, stating that allowance will be promptly paid, medical arrangements have been emplaced in case of any injuries in the course of the operation, and also the arrangement of logistics and equipment supports for the operation.
He, therefore, charged the men to reciprocate the gesture by provided quality Police service delivery to Imolites.
The Commissioner of Police said the teams will be posted to all the Local Government Areas in the State for crime prevention /detection patrol as well as confidence-building patrols.
He also warned the men against extorting and other corrupt practices, or any form of ineptitude, as the Command will not hesitate to activate the force disciplinary mechanisms on anyone found culpable to any unethical conduct.
Also, While admonishing the men to be professional at all times, and also be good ambassadors of the force, he tasked them to occupy the public space and ensure visibility around their duty post at all times.
