Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has ordered the immediate suspension of all activities of the state-owned Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) following a fatal accident involving one of its officials in Owerri.

The decision, announced late Monday night in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguike Nwachuku, came after an enforcement operation near St. Mulumba Catholic Church on Akachi Road reportedly led to the death of a commercial motorcyclist and left his passenger severely injured.

The tragic incident, captured in a viral video, triggered outrage across Owerri, with residents condemning what they described as the commission’s heavy-handed approach to enforcement.

In a separate statement, ENTRACO’s Director of Operations, Ifeanyi Nwokedi, confirmed that the official allegedly responsible for the crash had been handed over to the police for investigation.

“Effective immediately, Governor Hope Uzodimma has suspended all activities connected to the operations of the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) till further notice,” the statement read. “He did so following a report of an incident linked to ENTRACO operations, which claimed the life of a person and left another in critical condition.”

Uzodimma expressed concern over the growing number of public complaints about the commission’s methods, describing the latest tragedy as “deeply regrettable.”

He, however, warned that the suspension should not be misconstrued as permission for residents to flout traffic or environmental laws.

“The suspension of ENTRACO operations is not a license for members of the public to disregard traffic, environmental, or other laws,” the statement clarified. “Those found violating such laws will face appropriate sanctions.”

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the governor hosted members of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council at the Government House, Owerri, where he was appointed the council’s coordinator.

The delegation, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described Uzodimma as a dependable ally and commended his support for the welfare of monarchs across the country.

The traditional leaders said their visit was part of preparations for the council’s forthcoming general meeting in Imo State and sought the governor’s continued partnership to strengthen unity among southern royal institutions.