Uzodimma suspends Imo environmental commission over deaths of five motorists

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, has suspended all activities of the Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) following the alleged killing of a block industry owner and the deaths of two motorcycle riders during enforcement operations in Owerri.

Operatives of the commission were allegedly involved in the death of five young men who died in an incident that occurred on Monday at Toronto Junction, and along St. Mulumba Church Wethral, in Owerri, the state capital.

According to eyewitness accounts, ENTRACO personnel were attempting to seize a vehicle along the road when the fatal incident occurred.

This led to public outrage and calls for government intervention, with residents and political groups citing previous alleged misconduct and demanding accountability from ENTRACO personnel.

In a statement signed by Oguike Nwachukwu, the governor’s chief press secretary, Uzodimma expressed regret over the recent actions of ENTRACO operatives and acknowledged public concerns over the commission’s methods.

“With effect from today, all activities connected to the operations of Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) are hereby suspended until further notice,” the statement reads.

The governor warned that the suspension is not a licence for the public to disregard traffic, environmental, or other laws.

“I am not unmindful of other recent ugly incidents where the mode of operations of ENTRACO was brought to question by members of the public,” he said.

“But let me warn that immediate suspension of ENTRACO operations is not a license for members of the public to take traffic, environmental, and other laws into their hands as those found to be in violation of such laws will pay dearly for it.”