By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI —— The security challenges and economic setbacks bedevilling parts of Orlu senatorial zone of Imo State, is giving patriotic indigenes of the area, serious concern.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Owerri, Secretary, Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze A. Ozuruoha, noted that the situation can be redressed, if there was a collective will to change the narrative.

Commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he called “his concerted effort to restore peace in the entire senatorial zone,” the royal father appealed to those behind the seemingly unending insecurity in the area to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

Ozuruoha said: “Development does not thrive in an insecure environment. Those who are fuelling insecurity should please, sheath their swords and allow peace to reign.”

He stressed the role of royal fathers in the maintenance of peace and pledged the commitment of traditional rulers to encourage peace.

Also addressing the stakeholders, Executive Director, Orlu Progressive Initiative, OPI, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwabueze, expressed regret that “in recent time, Orlu zone has witnessed some form of security challenges and economic setbacks.
“This has made the people living in the zone to experience low productivity, poverty, unemployment, hunger, agricultural produce shortages, poor health, depression, displacement of people, deaths and fear of the unknown.

“Our brothers and sisters in different parts of Nigeria and in the Diaspora, can no longer come home, because of the uncertainties that follow such visits.”