Death of 19-year-old student: Imo govt demolishes illegal structures at IMSU

Imo State Government has demolished illegal structures and an alleged criminal hideouts around the Imo State University, IMSU, front gate.

This is following the death of a 19-year-old student, Chibuike Friday, who died through a motor accident within the campus.

The demolition exercise targeting illegal roadside structures and suspected criminal hideouts within the University environment, was carried out by Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, in collaboration with the Owerri Capital Development Authority, OCDA, led by Frank Nkem.

The government officials said the operation was aimed at restoring environmental orderliness and to improve road safety by reclaiming public spaces that had been illegally occupied over the years.

Several shanties suspected to be harbouring criminal elements involved in hard drug peddling and other unlawful activities were among structures dismantled during the exercise.

The demolition took place barely 24 hours after a fatal road accident at the IMSU front gate.

According to the spokesperson of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, the incident occurred when a Lexus ES 350 allegedly driven at excessive speed during an unauthorized street racing activity struck the 19-year-old student from Ebonyi State while attempting to cross the road.

Another victim, Bright Ukwuoma, sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Okoye confirmed that the driver, Dike Chibuike Micheal, from Oguta area of the State was arrested at the scene after officers rescued him from an angry mob.

Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the incident which he said was caused by reckless driving.

He directed the State Traffic Department to conduct a thorough investigation, assuring that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Residents and commuters living within the area expressed hope that clearing the structures would improve visibility for motorists, enhance pedestrian safety and reduction in criminal activities within the campus and its environment.