Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo, has blamed the increasing rate of kidnappings, armed robbery, and other insecurities in the state on 1,800 escapees from the correctional centre in Owerri. 

Mr Uzodinma stated this Tuesday after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. 

“Despite the activities of bandits and unknown gunmen in the area, you recall that the correctional facility in Owerri, Imo State capital was broken and over 1800 inmates were released.

“Since that time they have been on rampage committing all sorts of crime like kidnapping and armed robbery among others,” the governor said. 

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of his debriefing with Mr Buhari, the governor said he updated the president on security and socio-economic developments in his state.

He said the president, in response to his presentations, pledged to do more to adequately secure life and property of all citizens in the state and country, ahead of the yuletide season.

According to him, steps are being taken to address security challenges in the South-East region of the country.“Prominent among the issues we discussed is the increasing insecurity in the South-East.”

He said discussions were also on the need to clean up the state of criminals so that “those coming home for Christmas will have a condusive atmosphere to enjoy and celebrate the season.” 

Mr Uzodinma said he sought for the president’s approval for more funding and personnel for his government to address the security challenges.

“I asked for support with additional manpower and also some kind of funding to support the security situation in Imo State and the President graciously approved,” the governor stated.

(NAN)