Panic as taskforce swoops on Owerri street traders

There was panic in the Imo State capital Owerri yesterday as law enforcement agents tried to force traders operating within the Owerri municipality to relocate to designated areas.

As early as 8 am, a combined team of police, men of the civil defence and Imo internal security outfit had taken over the Douglas Road and other adjoining streets where the traders had refused to vacate despite repeated orders. 

Governor Rochas Okorocha, through his Special Adviser   on Bureau for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Peter Ohagwa, had asked traders, mechanics and artisans still operating within unapproved areas in Owerri municipality to relocate.

Yesterday’s action surprised most of the traders who were forced to close their shops. It was a game of wit between them and the law enforcement agents who made sure that they did not open their shops.