A tense calm has returned to the MCC–Uratta–Toronto axis in Owerri North, Imo State, after police officers took control of the area following a violent confrontation between traders and officials of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO).
The chaos erupted when ENTRACO operatives reportedly tried to confiscate a PoS operator’s machine for operating at an unauthorised location late at night. Witnesses said the woman resisted, insisting the agency had no right to seize her equipment after official hours.
According to eyewitness accounts, the situation escalated when the woman’s friend—allegedly a plain-clothes police officer—arrived at the scene and confronted the taskforce members. An ENTRACO official allegedly slapped the officer, triggering a scuffle that quickly spiralled out of control.
The following day, the taskforce reportedly returned to the area in large numbers, chasing traders and vandalising shops. Several residents claimed valuables, including phones, motorcycles, and food items, were carted away during the chaos, sparking outrage among locals.
Residents and traders have accused ENTRACO operatives of repeated harassment and looting, urging the state government to intervene and ensure justice. Many described the taskforce’s actions as “lawless and oppressive,” saying similar incidents had occurred in the past.
ENTRACO’s spokesperson, Darlington Chidera Ibekwe, denied wrongdoing, insisting that the clash was provoked by individuals attempting to obstruct the agency’s legitimate duties. He added that the Toronto Junction Market had previously been relocated due to safety and traffic concerns.
Ibekwe also criticised the police for allegedly failing to assist the agency in enforcing the relocation order, stressing that ENTRACO would not be intimidated from carrying out its mandate within the limits of the law.
