The Governor of Abia State has issued a stern warning to those responsible for sponsoring violence and insecurity in the region, following a troubling rise in violent incidents.
According to a statement released by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, this decisive action comes after receiving crucial intelligence and numerous reports from concerned citizens.
This statement follows an alarming incident where unidentified gunmen reportedly killed two soldiers from the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in the Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The statement declared, “It has become evident that certain unpatriotic politicians, in collaboration with external forces, are driving the current surge of violence and criminal activity in the state since late May this year. Their primary aim is to sow discord and divert the government’s attention from its developmental agenda. This strategy emerged after their initial attempts to spread falsehoods about the government, masquerading as ‘opposition,’ failed to resonate with the people of Abia, who have rejected their deceitful tactics.”
The government emphasized its commitment to peace, stating, “The Abia State government is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a pro-peace administration, free from the politics of violence and division. However, we will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail. We will not passively observe as individuals or groups perpetrate violence against our innocent and peaceful citizens.”
In a call to action, the government declared that it would employ all necessary resources to identify and apprehend those behind the attacks on security personnel and civilians, including kidnappings aimed at instilling fear and chaos in Abia.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration reaffirmed its readiness to protect the lives and property of everyone in Abia State, stating, “A new Counter Offensive has been initiated to dismantle any structures of terror established by criminals in our territory. Citizens are advised not to harbor unknown individuals to prevent becoming victims of violence.”
The government reassured law-abiding residents to continue their daily activities without fear, as it remains dedicated to their safety at all times. It denounced kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, and other criminal behaviors as foreign to the Abia culture and urged the public to collaborate with authorities to eliminate such threats.
Additionally, the government cautioned that anyone attempting to politicize the safety of innocent Abians would face serious repercussions, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such actions, regardless of who is involved.
Community and traditional leaders are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies for prompt action.
