Residents of Nsokpo say fear and poor roads are making daily life increasingly difficult.
Residents of Nsokpo Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State are calling on Governor Hope Uzodinma to fix insecurity and terrible roads in their area.
The Nsokpo Dynamic Association, a group of young professionals, issued the appeal on Monday.
They say the community has suffered repeated kidnappings and armed attacks in recent months blamed on suspected herders and criminals hiding in nearby bushland.
Farmers are too scared to work their farms.
Traders close shops before sunset.
Parents keep children indoors early.
The community is paralyzed.
The association wants the governor to send sustained security patrols day and night.
They’re also asking for a coordinated operation to comb the bushland between Ogbaku and Umunoha.
They want government support for community policing and resources for local vigilante groups working with security agencies.
Two roads in the area are in terrible condition the Nsokpo-Ifakala-Nwaorieubi Road and the Nsokpo-Lawa-Ohi Road.
The poor condition makes travel difficult, costly and dangerous, especially during rainy season.
Farm produce moves slowly.
Transportation costs are high.
Traders can’t access markets.
The association is asking the government to rebuild both roads and install streetlights in dark and risky areas.
They say Nsokpo is strategically located on the route to Owerri, the state capital.
Securing it would protect that route from criminal activity.
Fixing the roads and security would help residents’ safety and businesses while restoring access to neighbouring communities and markets.