The Imo State Government on Monday stormed and demolished a notorious criminal hideout at Nekede Number One in Owerri West Local Government Area, near the Imo ADP, in a dramatic move to flush out syndicates terrorizing residents.
The structure, described by officials as a “base of evil,” was linked to armed robbery, drug trafficking, and suspected ritual killings involving human organs. It was reduced to rubble under heavy security presence.
“This wasn’t just a hideout—it was a grave threat to public safety and human dignity,” a senior government official declared.
He continued “Governor Uzodimma’s administration will not tolerate breeding grounds for criminality anywhere in Imo.”
Eyewitnesses cheered as bulldozers tore through the compound.
“We’ve been living in fear for too long. Now I can finally sleep with both eyes closed,” a resident said, declining to be named for security reasons.
According to a post by an aide of Governor Hope Uzodimma on New Media, Mr Ambrose Nwogwugwu, he claimed that multiple arrests were made during the operation and vowed that everyone tied to the alleged syndicate would be prosecuted.
According to him, Investigations into the network’s activities are ongoing.
The demolition marks another decisive step in the state’s anti-crime campaign, which has seen similar crackdowns across Imo in recent weeks.
Officials of the Uzodimma administration insists the goal is to make Imo safe again for residents, businesses, and visitors.
