Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Imo State

  • Residents and Traders in Imo State Cry Out Over Collapsing Market

    Residents and Traders in Imo State Cry Out Over Collapsing Market

    Daily Post reports that traders at the Old Market in Umuna, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma over a market block they say is at risk of collapse.

    Traders cite deep structural cracks and a failing foundation, describing the facility as unsafe. Officials who reportedly inspected the site recommended demolition and reconstruction.

    The Nation and Vanguard also reported that a state technical team marked the structure for demolition and that traders are seeking urgent action to prevent loss of life.

    Echotitbits take: Local-market infrastructure failures are recurring—and usually only addressed after tragedy. The right response is rapid risk containment: cordon-off, temporary relocation, and an emergency rebuild plan with transparent contracting. Politically, slow action can trigger backlash in already tense environments.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/ambrose.nwaogwugwu.5/posts/old-market-in-umuna-at-risk-of-collapse-officials-sound-alarm-urge-governor-uzod/1405027687693604/?_rdc=1&_rdr# 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • NSDC Parades 29 Suspects for Illegal Mining in Imo

    NSDC Parades 29 Suspects for Illegal Mining in Imo

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Saturday parades 29 suspected illegal miners who operate at different sites in Imo.

    The State Commandant, NSCDC, Danjuma Elisha who paraded the alleged illegal miners on Saturday said the suspects were arrested following a directive by Gov. Hope Uzodimma to crack down on illegal mining operators in the state.

    The suspects, Elisha said we’re arrested by a combined team involving the Military, Police and the Federal Road Safety Commission among others.

    Elisha said that he would conduct the profiling on the suspects before charging them to court.

    “We are here to work and we must carry out the governor’s directive to its fullest by ensuring that the environment is safe for all.

    “Illegal mining is impacting negatively on the lives of people in Imo.

    “It is one of the causes of landslide and heavy flooding, so we will not allow it to happen again,” he said.

    The arrest operation was a feat achieved due to the existing collaboration and synergy of operations among security agencies in Imo state.

    According to NAN, one of the suspects, Kelechi Nwokocha, who pleaded for forgiveness, confessed that he was in the business for seven years.

    “I was arrested at Worie River at Nekede Old Road.

    “I am aware that we are doing illegal business and our mining activities are impacting negatively on the environment.

    “If I am given a second chance, I will not go back to illegal mining again,” he said.

    NAN reports that Gov. Uzodimma had recently announced a ban on illegal mining and directed security agencies to crack down on suspects.

  • Gas tanker accident kills one, injures three others in Imo

    Gas tanker accident kills one, injures three others in Imo

    A Friday morning accident that occured at Irete in Owerri West Local Goverement Area of Imo state has claimed the life of one person and left three others injured.

    Echotitbits gathered that a bus loaded with fruits reportedly rammed into a gas truck that was heading out from a gas station along Owerri-Onitsha road.

    The impact of the collission had caused the two vehicles to go in flames.

    The Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in charge of Imo and Abia states, Evans Ugoh who confirmed the accident said three injured persons were already in the hospital.

    Although, the two vehicles were completely burnt, officials of the Imo State Fire Service, Red Cross Society, the Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps were on ground to put out the fire.

  • 82yr Ex-DG Imo Broadcasting Corporation stabs wife to death

    82yr Ex-DG Imo Broadcasting Corporation stabs wife to death

    A former Director General of Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Theophilus Okere is alleged to have stabbed his wife of over fifty years, Beatrice to death.

    The incident, which happened in Imerienwe, Ngor -Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer Imo state command Mr. Orlando Ikeokwu.

    While it is unclear what led to the incident, ikeokwu stated that the suspect who is 82 years old had fled the community, adding that security operatives have launched a manhunt for the alleged killer.

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    The remains of the  late Beatrice, who retired from the State Polytechnic, Umuagwo has been deposited at the morgue as police have begun investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of the victim.