Imo Journalists Sound Security Alarm as Terror Grips Airport Zone
The Association of Ngor Okpala Journalists (ANOJ) has issued a powerful call to action, demanding immediate intervention as bandits and terrorists turn strategic areas around Sam Mbakwe International Airport into no-go zones.
In a bold statement that reflects the growing frustration of Nigerian communities facing security challenges, the journalists' association revealed that the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, particularly the crucial Umuowa-Ihitte-Umuhu-Okpala corridor along the Owerri-Aba Expressway, has fallen under siege.
Terror Strikes at Nigeria's Gateway
The situation reached a breaking point between December 1st and 2nd, 2025, when suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on innocent motorists, resulting in abductions and killings. Most alarming was the brazen attack on the advance team of Abia State Governor's office heading to Imo Airport, a clear escalation that demonstrates these criminals' growing audacity.
Comrade Athan Agbakwuru, Chairman of ANOJ, and Secretary Comrade Henry Amadi didn't mince words in their joint statement, revealing that vast bushes in the affected areas have become terrorist hideouts where decomposing corpses and victims' belongings have been discovered during community-led search operations.
Two Years of Terror: A Pattern Emerges
The journalists documented a chilling pattern of violence that has plagued Ngor Okpala for over two years. From a woman killed on her farm at Amala to a pregnant woman slaughtered near the airport runway, the attacks show a systematic campaign of terror targeting ordinary Nigerians trying to make a living.
The association highlighted the killing of a commercial motorcyclist along Umuohiagu-Umuowa Road and the kidnapping of a Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff member, painting a picture of a community under constant threat.
Strategic Location Under Threat
What makes this situation particularly concerning is Ngor Okpala's strategic importance as the host of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport and its position as a vital link between Imo, Abia, and Rivers States. The area's economic and political significance makes it a prime target for those seeking to destabilize Nigeria's progress.
The journalists expressed frustration at the apparent ease with which these criminals operate, despite the presence of military checkpoints just meters away from their operational zones. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current security arrangements.
Call for Indigenous Solutions
True to the spirit of African self-reliance, ANOJ called for collaboration between security agencies and community-based solutions. They urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to work with vigilante organizations to reclaim their territory from these foreign-backed destabilizers.
The association acknowledged recent interventions by the Imo State Police Command but insisted that sustained action is needed to completely root out these criminal elements and restore peace to this vital corridor.
This security challenge represents more than just local crime; it's part of a broader pattern affecting Nigeria's sovereignty and development. The courage of these journalists in speaking truth to power demonstrates the resilience of Nigerian civil society in demanding accountability and action from those entrusted with protecting the people.