From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, OWERRI
Political group, The Mazi Organisation, TMO, has called on the lmo State governor, Hope Uzodimma to protect indigenes of the state for which he was elected or quit office.
The organisation was reacting to a viral video showing Ngozi Ogbu where he was held hostage by bandits.
The horrific incident, according to the group, is a stark reminder of the unresolved kidnap of the Okigwe Zonal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Kenneth Nwachukwu, earlier this year and other similar incidents that were not publicised.
A statement issued yesterday by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Cajetan Duke, stated that the rampant insecurity that has engulfed lmo State had turned peaceful areas into zones of terror and lawlessness.
It noted that the video of a distinguished citizen of the state, a former chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area and legislator at the mercy of criminals was a disgrace and height of wilful assault on the collective psyche of the people, and a direct challenge to the safety of every Imo citizen.
“TMO stands firmly with Ogbu, his family and the affected communities in demanding his immediate and safe release and an end to the reign of terror in Imo State.
“This heartbreaking development underscores the utter collapse of governance in Okigwe and environs, where bandits operate with impunity, unchecked by any meaningful state intervention.
“The failure to protect prominent but vulnerable citizens like Ogbu also reveals a catastrophic breakdown in the security apparatus, leaving Imo citizens insecure and hopeless,” the statement said.
The organisation stated that this latest ugly incident was not merely a singular event, but a glaring consequence of systemic neglect, where the safety of residents has been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
According to the statement, “The Uzodimma-led administration’s claim of securing lives and properties in Imo State has been exposed as blatant falsehood by this latest tragic development.
“Indeed, the kidnap of Ogbu and takeover of entire Imo communities by bandits shatter the illusion of safety peddled by the state government.
“The provision of security for citizens and residents is one of the core and fundamental duties of government – therefore, Governor Uzodimma must either take decisive actions to restore security or step aside for a leadership capable of addressing this existential crisis. Empty promises will no longer suffice in the face of such brazen criminality.
“TMO demands urgent and coordinated action from the state to secure Ogbu’s safe release and dismantle the criminal network terrorising every part of the state.
“This requires robust intelligence operations, strengthened security deployment and genuine collaboration with local communities to root out banditry. We call for transparency in these efforts and accountability for any lapses that have allowed this crisis to fester. The safety of Imo citizens and residents must be non-negotiable and TMO will not rest until tangible results are achieved.
“While we continue to condemn every act of insecurity and banditry in Imo State, TMO remains resolute in holding the Uzodimma administration accountable for the unabating security challenges. We will relentlessly advocate comprehensive reforms, including investment in critical infrastructure in rural communities, creation of employment opportunities for Imo youths, effective local government administration in line with the Supreme Court judgement on financial autonomy, community policing, empowerment of local security initiatives and a clear strategy to reclaim areas currently controlled by bandits.
“The people of Imo State deserve a government that acts with urgency and competence, not one that hides behind excuses while lives are being lost.
We therefore call on Governor Uzodimma to live up to his responsibilities that are in line with his oath of office and protect Imo citizens or quit.
“We equally urge civil society organisations, traditional leaders and the international community to amplify this demand for decisive action,” the group declared.
