The government of Imo State says it has concluded plans to launch a security outfit in the state on November 30.
Declan Emelumba, the commissioner for information and strategy, who briefed newsmen after the state executive council meeting in Owerri on Wednesday, said the security outfit became necessary to address the security challenges in the state.
Emelumba stated that the new outfit would be a combination of vigilante and community policing models to make the yuletide celebrations comfortable for residents and visitors.
“The launch has become necessary to check further insecurity and make the yuletide celebrations comfortable for Imo people both at home and in the diaspora,” he said.
“Council regrets that money which government would have used to attend to more development-oriented matters in the state is diverted to security matters.
“This is the opportunity cost of insecurity to the people of Imo, which everyone must rise to condemn and assist to contain.”
In recent times, Imo state has recorded attacks by gunmen, which has led to the destruction of lives and properties.