The Youth Chairman of Umuihugba- Umuodu community, Mr. Onyewuchi Onuoha, (aka Poko) has issued a stern warning to cultists and miscreants operating in and around the Relief Market in Owerri, Imo State.
Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, Onuoha condemned their activities, which he described as a menace to traders and a disruption to the market’s primary purpose.
Onuoha expressed outrage over reports that cultists and miscreants have been harassing traders, extorting money from them, and creating an atmosphere of fear in the market.
He said such actions are “intolerable and unacceptable” and vowed that the community would no longer condone these unlawful acts.
“Relief Market is a place for trading, business, buying, and selling—not a haven for cultists and miscreants,”
“Their activities have become a major menace, causing problems for traders and disrupting the peace of the market. We will not tolerate this anymore.”Onuoha declared.
The youth leader revealed that plans are already underway to take decisive action against the perpetrators. He announced that the Umuihugba- Umuodu community, in collaboration with the vigilante body led by the community’s Chief Security Officer, CSO, Emeka Ozurumba and the police, would soon launch an operation to rid the market of these undesirable elements.
“Let it be clear to everyone engaging in these activities: the long arm of the law will soon apprehend you,
“We are working closely with the vigilante body and the law enforcement agents to ensure that Relief Market is safe for legitimate business activities. This nonsense must stop. Indigenes and non indigenes who are also involved in this menace would also not be spared. This is a stern warning to all of them” he warned.
He urged cultists to reconsider their choices and find other avenues for their activities, as the community would no longer tolerate their presence in the market.
“Those who choose to indulge in cultism should find somewhere else to go. Relief Market is not a place for such behavior,” he said.
He called on traders and residents to cooperate with the authorities by providing information about the activities of these miscreants. He emphasized that ensuring the safety and prosperity of the market is a collective responsibility.
“We are determined to restore order to the market and protect traders from harassment,”
“Relief Market must return to being a safe and thriving center for business. We are taking this seriously, and there will be no room for compromise.” Onuoha concluded.
