The Association of Ngor Okpala Journalists has expressed concern over the rising insecurity in parts of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, particularly around the Sam Mbakwe airport and the Umuowa-Ihitte-Umuhu-Okpala axis along the Owerri-Aba Expressway. According to reports, the area has been taken over by bandits and terrorists, with incidents of attacks on motorists, abductions, and killings occurring between December 1st and 2nd, 2025.
The association cited the recent attack on the Advance Team of the Abia State Governor’s Office, which was heading to the Imo Airport, as a disturbing example of the growing terrorist threat. The group alleged that the adjoining bushes in the area have become a hideout for the terrorists, with several decomposing corpses and personal valuables of attacked victims discovered during community-led combing exercises.
The insecurity in Ngor Okpala has been a persistent issue, with a record of violent crimes over the past two years, including the killing of a woman in her farm, the slaughter of a pregnant woman near the airport, and the kidnapping of a Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria staff member. These incidents have posed a significant threat to commercial, economic, social, and political activities in the area, portraying the locality as unsafe for residents and passersby.
The presence of a military checkpoint at Umuowa, near the airport, has not deterred the bandits, who continue to operate with ease. The association has called on the Divisional Police Officer, the military, and other security agencies to take proactive action to apprehend the culprits and flush out the criminals from the area. The group has also urged traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, and community members to be vigilant and provide factual information to assist security agencies in addressing the menace.
The strategic location of Ngor Okpala, which hosts the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport and links Abia, Rivers, and Imo States, makes it imperative for immediate and urgent action against the rising wave of banditry. The Imo State Police Command has intervened in the matter, and the association has commended the effort, but insists that the authorities must sustain the crackdown until the culprits are brought to justice. The situation in Ngor Okpala highlights the need for enhanced security measures to protect residents, travelers, and economic activities in the area.
