Residents of Egbema in Imo State have called for urgent action over deteriorating roads, insecurity and worsening economic hardship affecting communities in the area.
The concerns were raised in a four-page address presented by Comrade Lawrence Okwudili Alex to the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, during his pastoral visit to Chukwunyere Catholic Parish, Mmahu, Egbema, at the weekend.
Alex identified insecurity as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the area, particularly along the Agwa and iZombie axes.
He alleged that the routes had become vulnerable to criminal and kidnapping activities, making travelling increasingly unsafe for residents and other road users.
“Insecurity poses a serious concern in our area. Specifically, Agwa and iZombie axis have become den of criminals and kidnappers,” he said.
He also drew attention to the recent crisis in Abacheke community, saying it had disrupted pastoral activities at St Paul’s Station and displaced several parishioners.
Alex appealed to the Archbishop to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the affected community.
The condition of roads linking Egbema with Owerri was another major concern raised by the residents.
According to Alex, the poor state of the major routes had affected transportation, connectivity and activities between parishes.
He described the situation as a major challenge for the Egbema Deanery, noting that the poor roads were also affecting economic activities and other aspects of community life.
Alex further alleged that Egbema had experienced marginalisation despite its economic contribution to Imo State.
He appealed to Archbishop Ugorji to use his position to draw greater attention to the infrastructural and security challenges confronting the area.
“State of emergency should be declared on all the roads leading to Egbema,” he said.
The address also highlighted the impact of the difficult economic climate on households across Egbema.
Alex said many residents were struggling to meet basic needs as economic pressures continued to worsen.
The appeal came amid calls for improved government presence, better infrastructure and stronger security measures across the area.
Responding to the concerns, Archbishop Ugorji urged Nigerians to reject corruption and other practices that undermine public welfare.
In his homily, the Archbishop called on the people to embrace goodness, love and uprightness while rejecting actions that contribute to social decay.
He also reaffirmed the Catholic bishops’ commitment to speaking on issues affecting Nigerians.
“Catholic Bishops will never be apologetic for speaking truth to power,” Ugorji said.
He urged Nigerians to reject corruption, bribery, embezzlement of public funds and other practices that undermine citizens’ welfare.
The Archbishop said addressing such practices remained necessary for building a more equitable society.
For Egbema residents, however, the immediate concerns remain the deteriorating road network, insecurity and economic hardship, with calls growing for concrete interventions to improve conditions across the area.
