Tension has escalated in Owerri, Imo State as military helicopters are seen hovering over the nooks and crannies of the state capital.
It was gathered that two military helicopters have mounted surveillance around the city for the past three days, as a measure to curb rising insecurity in the state.
According to The New Diplomat’s checks, the development might not be unconnected to the recent attacks on public and private properties in the state.
Recently, the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma‘s house at his country home in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area(LGA) of Imo state, was attacked and set ablaze by some hoodlums.
Also, on April 5, some hoodlums attacked the Imo State Police Headquarters and a Correctional facility.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), the hoodlums gained entrance into the facility after blasting the facility witj explosives before releasing about 1, 884 inmates.
Similarly, the recent killing of the Commander of the Eastern Security Network(ESN), Ikonso on Saturday, is believed to have played a part in the heavy presence of military troops.
The New Diplomat had reported that a joint team of the Nigerian security agencies in Imo State, had engaged the ESN in a fierce gun duel leading to the death of Ikonso and six other operatives of the ESN.
Also, on Sunday night, some armed men attacked the Imo State Commissioner for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, Iyke Ume, shooting him twice on the shoulder and three other drivers around Orji in Owerri.
However, the Commissioner has since been receiving medical care in Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.