By CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri
About 50 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers were yesterday afternoon paraded in Dan Anyiam Stadium Complex, Owerri, by the security agencies operating in Imo State.

Although the suspects were not allowed to talk to the anxious crowd, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the exhibition was a measure to reassure the citizenry of the preparedness of the security agencies to fight crime and criminals.

Addressing the people, Governor Rochas Okorocha urged youths to shun crime and learn to be good to themselves, their families, the state and Nigeria.

“This administration is very determined to rid the state of crime and criminals. It is therefore in the interest of youths to shun the temptation of going into crime. You will regret it if you are caught”, Okorocha warned youths.

The Governor, who used the opportunity to launch the state security outfit, “Operation Rescue Imo”, also warned traditional rulers that they will be held accountable for any crime perpetrated in their autonomous communities.

Speaking also, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, said “the project is audable and very dear to government and we are all happy for this wonderful initiative, which in all honesty will reduce the level of crime in the state”.

His words: “It is an idea, which if sustained, will make crime a thing of the ast in the state. There is a renewed partnership among security agencies in the state. There is also synergy and cooperation amongst ud, which is all geared towards the reduction of crime such as armed robbery and kidnapping both in the state and the neighbouring states”.