Two officials of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) have been lynched by a mob at the Toronto junction area of Owerri.
Sources told TheCable that the incident occurred on Tuesday night after the officials allegedly stormed the Toronto market and began carting away traders’ goods.
A trader who spoke on condition of anonymity said the ENTRACO team had become a source of frustration for market women and shop owners.
“They asked road traders to vacate the roadside, and they obeyed. Yet, they still come inside the market to break and loot shops,” the trader said.
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“This is not the work of ENTRACO. So many people have lost their shops because of their actions. For a week now, the market has been boiling, and people are afraid to come out.”
The trader also alleged that security operatives have been deployed to the area, arresting and shooting at residents.
“Instead of the government to calm the situation, they are worsening it. Everyone is on the run now,” he added.
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A resident of a nearby village confirmed that armed security operatives have been patrolling the area.
“They shot my brother, who runs a block industry, in the hand. The government should act fast before more lives are lost,” the resident said.
When contacted, Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment as of press time.
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