The Association of Ngor Okpala Journalists (ANOJ), has raised the alerm over the upsurge in criminal activities in parts of Ngor Okpala Local government Area of lmo State, especially around the Umuowa–Ihitte–Umuhu-Okpala axis, along the Owerri-Aba Expressway.
The association said the recent reports, both confirmed and unconfirmed, have continued to indicate that the above-mentioned areas have been taken over and is currently under siege by bandits/terrorists.
It stated that between December 1-2, 2025, there were reported incidents of attacks on unsuspecting motorists resulting in the abduction and killing of passengers by the suspected bandits/terrorists.
The body stated that the attack on the advance team of the Abia State governor that was heading to the Imo airport is one case too many and a clear pointer to the alarming wave of the terrorists’ menace.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman, Athan Agbakwuru and Henry Amadi, secretary, respectively, the association said it has it on good authority that the adjoining vast bushes in the mentioned areas have become the hideouts and safe haven for the daredevil terrorists.
The association said the upsurge in violent crimes pose a grave threat to commercial, economic, social and political activities in the local government area.
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“This ugly scenario is portraying our peaceful locality in bad and dangerous light, as an unsafe place for innocent natives, residents and passersby but a haven for bandits and terrorists.
“It’s yet uncertain who the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes are. There is a military checkpoint at Umuowa, the Airport Junction, few metres away from where bandits are holding sway and having a field day.
“Most worrisome is the ease with which they operate and no proactive or responsible action is taken to foil any attack or apprehend the culprits during or after operations,” the statement said.
