By CHARLES IWUOHA

Action People's Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, has condemned in strong terms “the outrageous killing of two persons by murderous elements masquerading as officials of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO).”

The killing came to light through a traumatizing video clip circulating on various social media platforms.

APP said it is “deeply shocked and outraged by these recurring incidents of loss of lives of innocent Imo citizens occasioned by the recklessness and unchecked activities of ENTRACO officials, which appear to have become a norm and pattern in the state.

According to the party, the latest incident which occurred at St. Mulumba by Akachi Road, near First Bank in Owerri, “serves as a stark reminder of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government's reckless disregard for human life and the rule of law.”

APP recalled “with dismay the previous incident at Toronto Junction, MCC/Uratta Road, Owerri, where some persons lost their lives at the hands of the same ENTRACO staff.”

In a statement issued on Monday by APP's interim state Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, the party stated: “It is appalling that despite promises of "Shared Prosperity," the activities of these agents of government has become synonymous with sharing misery, agony, and even death in Imo State.”

Part of the statement reads: "It is disheartening to note that a commission established to ensure environmental cleanliness and orderliness in line with the capital city master plan has turned itself into a vehicle for all forms of criminal extortion through intimidation and harassment of commercial road users and other vulnerable members of society.

"The people of Imo State are living in fear, and it is unacceptable that ENTRACO officials have become more notorious than armed bandits, unknown gunmen, and terrorists. We demand an immediate halt to these provocative and reckless killings of our people. The government must take responsibility for protecting its citizens and hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.

"This entrenched culture of insensitivity, lack of empathy, high-handedness, impunity, and blatant disregard for human life, which has characterized the activities and operations of ENTRACO, questions the credibility and competence of the current leadership and management of the commission.

"We therefore call on Governor Uzodimma to immediately, in the best interest of Imo citizens in particular and road users in general, sack the current management of the commission for gross ineptitude, poor leadership, and lack of the prerequisite skills to manage an important people-oriented and service-driven agency of government like ENTRACO.

"The Action People's Party (APP) stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and demands justice. We call on all well-meaning Imolites to join us in condemning these brutal killings and demanding accountability from the Uzodimma led administration in the state.”

The opposition party demanded a thorough investigation “into these incidents and for those responsible to be brought to justice, adding that the people of Imo State deserve better than to live in fear of being killed by those sworn to protect them.”

The party vowed that it would continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of all Imo citizens, while assuring Imolites that, “though weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning.”

It therefore urged residents to remain calm and law abiding while hoping that the government will listen to the demands for the safety and protection of everyone.