Officials arrest thugs for hijacking essential goods trucks

Imo State government has said that it has arrested some thugs alongside some staff of the state revenue department who allegedly colluded to clampdown about 50 trucks conveying essential food items and medicament through the state to neighboring states.

Daily Trust had reported that the thugs who said  they were acting on behalf of the state government, allegedly collected N50,000 from each of the trucks as a condition for allowing them to pass though the state.

But in a statement yesterday by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan

Emelumba said that the gang of thugs who cash in on the COVID-19 lockdown in the State to impose illegal levies on unsuspecting haulage operators have been arrested.

While expressing regret over the situation, Emelumba assured that all necessary measures have been put in place to avoid a repeat of such an ugly situation.

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma has released 36 prisoners as part of efforts to decongest the prison in order to curtail the spread of COVID-9 pandemic. The governor has also directed the Acting Chief Judge of the State, Mrs. Ijeoma Aguguo to immediately begin the accelerated trial and release of inmates who are on awaiting trial on minor charges.