*Gives bandits 10 days to surrender
In an attempt to flush out bandits from forests in Imo state, Gov. Hope Uzodimma has approved the deployment of over 10,000 military forces to comb forests in the state.
This was as the governor issued 10-day ultimatum to the bandits to leave the forests and surrender their arms to traditional rulers for unconditional pardon or face bombardment.
The governor stated that forces comprising of the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Police will commence operation in the state with over 10,000 combatant forces that will be heavily armed.
Uzodimma spoke during Sunday’s church service at the Government House Chapel, Owerri while addressing the congregation.
He said that government decided to rid the forests in Imo State of bandits, adding that it has procured the necessary ammunition and accoutrements for the purpose.
He said the state will be hosting the annual Army Day Celebration from June 30th to July 6th, and no fewer than 10,000 military personnel drawn from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police among others would be in attendance.
He said, “effective Monday, June 27th, Imo State will take delivery of military equipment that will be used to clear the remnants of bandits hiding in various bushes in the State.
“The State is more determined now than before to clear all bandits and to achieve this, the expected equipment and additional recruitment of more Ebube-Agu personnel working in collaboration with the decurity agencies in the state will be used to clear all the waterways and ride the state of bandits including crude-oil theft.
“All the waterways are under surveillance with the delivery of new Naval Equipment to the Naval Base in Oguta.”
The governor further disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive the state to declare the celebration open.
He also directed the Interim Management Committee Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in the state and the newly-inaugurated 52 Coordinators of the Development Centres, to resume fully in their headquarters and cooperate with their members and the Town Union President-Generals to ensure government actualizes it target on security, and rid the state of bandits.
