ENTRACO’s Toronto Illegal Traders’ Debacle: GM Anyaehie Clears the Air
Agency Vindicated Over Looting, Extortion Allegations
By Our Reporters
The controversies and allegations surrounding the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) have gradually been laid to rest, as the General Manager, Prince Anthony Emeka Anyaehie, has clarified the true position of the agency’s recent operations in Owerri.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Prince Anyaehie maintained that ENTRACO remains committed to its statutory responsibility of keeping the Imo State capital free from traffic congestion, illegal street trading, and disorderly motor parks.
He described the recent allegations of looting and extortion against ENTRACO officials as baseless, insisting that opposition elements were only attempting to blackmail the government.
“The law is no respecter of persons,” Anyaehie said. “Our duty is to ensure sanity and order in Owerri. Those peddling falsehoods are only trying to distract us, but the truth cannot be buried.”
The ENTRACO boss further explained that the incident which occurred last week along the Toronto–MCC Road, Owerri, was unfortunate, as the public had been misinformed to believe that ENTRACO officers looted traders’ goods.
“Looting was never carried out by ENTRACO personnel,” he clarified. “It was the handiwork of miscreants and criminals who took advantage of the situation to steal. Those involved are already coming forward to testify to the truth.”
Prince Anyaehie disclosed that the Owerri North Local Government Council had, as far back as July 19, 2025, issued notices to traders operating illegally along major roads, warning them to vacate and relocate to designated market spaces provided by the council.
He added that a letter signed by one Ken Anoruo on behalf of the council leadership clearly outlined the government’s directives and ENTRACO’s lawful role in enforcing them.
According to him, ENTRACO officers were taken aback when some individuals unleashed violence and falsely accused the agency’s personnel of misconduct.
Anyaehie expressed regret that certain citizens prefer to sabotage government efforts rather than support them.
“It is sad that some people derive pleasure from lawlessness,” he lamented. “The Imo State Government has embarked on several projects aimed at improving the state’s environmental outlook, but a few elements have chosen to act as saboteurs.”
He questioned why any reasonable citizen would obstruct the free flow of traffic by trading on public roads, stressing that ENTRACO would never fold its arms while people continue to flout government directives.
“Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration is working tirelessly to make Imo State a leading economic and business destination in the South East,” he said. “We must all support this vision.”
The ENTRACO GM further disclosed that the agency will soon extend its enforcement operations to Irete and other parts of the state.
“We are going to Irete very soon,” he warned. “All traders occupying the roads must vacate immediately. The era of lawlessness is over.”
