Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has suspended all activities of the state-owned Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) following a fatal accident in Owerri involving the agency’s officials.

The directive, contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the governor, Oguike Nwachuku, came after the incident near St. Mulumba Catholic Church along Akachi Road on Monday.

The crash, which occurred during an ENTRACO enforcement operation, reportedly led to the death of a commercial motorcyclist and left his passenger severely injured and hospitalised. The development sparked outrage across Owerri and on social media.

According to the statement, “Effective immediately, Governor Hope Uzodimma has suspended all activities connected to the operations of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) until further notice. The decision was made on Monday, November 10, 2025, following a report of an incident in Owerri linked to ENTRACO operations, resulting in the loss of life and critical injuries to another individual.”

The governor, however, warned that the suspension should not be seen as a licence for residents to flout environmental or traffic regulations, stressing that offenders would still face sanctions.

Meanwhile, ENTRACO has handed over the official suspected to have caused the fatal accident to the police for investigation. In a statement, the agency’s Director of Operations, Ifeanyi Nwokedi, confirmed that the officer involved in the incident had been transferred to the police for further inquiry.

Contrary to some online reports, ENTRACO clarified that only one person died in the incident while the injured passenger was receiving treatment.
The commission expressed regret over the tragedy, extending condolences to the victim’s family and assuring full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure transparency and justice.

It added that the accident occurred when an ENTRACO personnel impounded a vehicle obstructing traffic, which led to a collision involving the motorcyclist.

Reiterating that motorcycle operations remain banned within the state capital, ENTRACO urged road users to obey traffic rules, avoid one-way driving and support efforts to maintain safety and order on the roads.