The Imo State Government has declared an all-out war against banditry and the vandalism of public property, as Governor Hope Uzodimma has ordered local government officials to act swiftly in protecting public infrastructure across the state.
The directive was given during a meeting held in Owerri with chairmen and key stakeholders from the state’s 27 local government areas. Governor Uzodimma also called on traditional rulers, town union leaders, and other community leaders to take active roles in safeguarding government facilities in their domains.
“My job is to help you offer something tangible to your people,” the governor stated. “You must protect the citizens, as well as schools, hospitals, health centres, and all government facilities that make life meaningful in the state.”
He stressed the importance of collaboration between local and state authorities, including the Commissioner for Vigilante Services, Special Advisers on Security, and officials overseeing Monitoring, Compliance, and Rural Development, to ensure effective response to growing cases of vandalism and insecurity.
Uzodimma issued a zero-tolerance policy for the destruction or misuse of public assets and directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of culprits, including:
- Contractors and individuals vandalizing public infrastructure
- Residents using government roads or assets for personal construction
- Encroachers on state-owned land or property
“All individuals involved—directly or indirectly—in the destruction or theft of government assets, whether in urban areas or rural communities, must be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the governor warned.
An anonymous council official who attended the meeting told Vanguard that the discussions touched on a range of urgent concerns, including the theft of solar lights, transformers, hospital equipment, and educational supplies, as well as the deliberate destruction of roads.
“It was a productive session where pressing issues affecting the sustainable development of Imo State were thoroughly discussed,” the official said.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving public infrastructure, ensuring security, and restoring confidence in local governance.
