Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) following a tragic incident in Owerri that claimed one life and left another person critically injured.
The decision comes after mounting public outrage over the agency’s alleged reckless conduct in recent weeks. Governor Uzodimma stated that the move was necessary to allow for a thorough investigation into ENTRACO’s operations, especially after repeated complaints about their methods and enforcement approach.
According to reports, the latest tragedy occurred on Monday along St Mulumba Catholic Akachi Road by Wetheral Road, near First Bank, when ENTRACO operatives allegedly hit two motorcycle riders while chasing a commercial vehicle. The victims reportedly died on the spot after the operatives fled, leaving them bleeding at the scene.
Eyewitnesses said the operatives were attempting to seize a vehicle when the fatal collision occurred. Confirming the incident, the agency’s Press Secretary, Mr. Darlington Ibekwe, revealed that those involved had been detained at the Owerri Urban Police Area Command at Fire Service. “We have handed the culprits over to the police. It was an unfortunate incident,” he stated.
The General Manager of ENTRACO, Mr. Anthony Anyaeihe, also confirmed the accident, explaining that the motorbike was riding one way when it collided with the agency’s vehicle. He added that the ENTRACO driver had surrendered himself to the police and given his statement before being detained.
This latest incident marks the second time in less than two weeks that ENTRACO’s activities have led to fatalities. Two weeks earlier, operatives of the agency were accused of killing a man identified as Chukwudi Ordu and injuring three others during a chaotic demolition exercise at the Toronto Market in Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area.
Governor Uzodimma, while announcing the suspension, warned that the halt in ENTRACO’s operations should not be seen as a free pass for residents to disregard traffic and environmental laws. He cautioned that anyone found violating state regulations will face serious consequences.
The suspension of ENTRACO follows growing calls from residents and civil groups demanding accountability and reform of the agency’s enforcement methods, which have been widely criticized as excessive and brutal.
With the governor’s directive now in force, all ENTRACO activities remain suspended indefinitely as investigations continue into the series of tragic events that have shocked Owerri and its environs.
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