The Imo State government has alerted to a faceless group of persons defrauding indigenes returning from Lagos for the Yuletide by providing them with free transportation to Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.
  
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Oguwike Nwachuku, in a statement, yesterday,  said to make the ‘devilish intention’ look real, the perpetrators had issued a notice they purport originated from his office for the project.
  
His words: “In their warped imagination, they have deliberately fixed December 24, 2024, and January 4, 2025, as the days their prey and unsuspecting home-bound Lagos residents should approach them for a trip back home and return trip to Lagos respectively.
  
Below is part of their poorly written press statement:
 
“The buses are free for Imolites from Lagos to Imo State on 24th December, and back to Lagos on 4th January.
  
“Interested persons should please call ISTDAL on 08033255565, 08092362966, or 07089303866 for seats reservation.
  
“Please the buses are free, and is on first come accreditation bases, once the seats are fully booked, the registration closes (PLS DO NOT PAY ANYBODY ONE KOBO). 
 
“Please the buses are NOT LUXURY BUSES, so only passengers with a small sizable luggage will be allowed. (no big boxes or load is allowed). 
 
“The buses will leave on Tuesday 24th December at exactly 7.15am to *Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu.

“The departure point will be made available after your registration, (if you are not captured on accreditation, pls don’t bother coming as only accreditated passengers are allowed) and please indicate your direction.
 
“Note: the bus will not stop or drop any passenger until it passes Ihiala unto Imo State.

“Thanks and best regards.”