May 25 (THEWILL) — Communities within the Ochia Clan of Owerri West Local Government Area have intensified local security measures in response to the growing concerns over kidnappings and criminal activities affecting residents and farmers across the area.
The fresh resolutions were reached during a crucial stakeholders’ security summit held at the Ihiagwa Civic Centre, where traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups, security agencies, youth representatives, and members of the Hausa/Fulani community gathered to deliberate on practical solutions to the worsening insecurity within the axis.
One of the major decisions taken at the meeting was the outright prohibition of settlements inside forests, bushes, and isolated locations across the affected communities. Stakeholders unanimously agreed that any person or group found occupying unauthorised camps within such areas would henceforth be regarded as suspects and treated accordingly by law enforcement authorities.
The stakeholders maintained that the increasing incidents of abduction, violent attacks, and criminal hideouts within forested areas necessitated urgent and coordinated community action to protect lives and property.
The communiqué issued after the meeting was jointly endorsed by the traditional ruler of Eziobodo Community, Eze Lucky Okoro, along with the leader of the Northern Community in the area, Alhaji Awal Suleiman, symbolising collective commitment to sustain peace and strengthen inter-community cooperation.
As part of the newly introduced security arrangements, local vigilante groups, working alongside representatives of the Hausa/Fulani community and under police supervision, are expected to commence regular bush-combing operations to identify criminal hideouts and flush out suspicious elements operating within the forests.
The stakeholders also introduced restrictions on the activities of scrap metal dealers and scavengers within the communities. Under the new regulations, scrap operators would only be permitted to function from designated collection points approved by community authorities, in order to monitor movements and reduce opportunities for criminal infiltration.
In another major development, commercial motorcyclists, non-indigenes, and visitors residing or operating businesses within the communities are now required to possess a valid means of identification endorsed by recognised community leadership structures before carrying out their activities.
The meeting further reaffirmed the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law already existing within the State, emphasising the need to safeguard farmlands, maintain peaceful coexistence among residents, and discourage activities capable of threatening public safety.
Residents across the affected communities have continued to react to the decisions, with many describing the measures as bold, proactive, and timely, considering the rising insecurity witnessed in parts of Owerri West in recent months.
