Insecurity: Governor Otti Vows to Clamp Down on Sponsors of Violence

Following a series of tip-offs from citizens of the state, the Governor of Abia State has vowed to clamp down on those sponsoring violence and insecurity in the state and rid the state of all forms of insecurity.
Abia State has recently had some incidences of security breaches, and the governor has resolved to ensure that state is not left at the mercy of criminal elements.
The decision was made in response to several tips from patriotic residents and trustworthy intelligence, according to a statement released Monday by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity.
According to reports, two soldiers from the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA were slain by unidentified gunmen along Umuahia-Owerri Road in the state’s Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The statement that was made available to the media on Monday reads, “It has been firmly established that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with some external parties, are behind the current wave of violence and crime in the state since the end of May this year. The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state. This strategy kicked in as they realised that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the government in pretentious posturing as “opposition” have failed to gain currency amongst Abia people who have thoroughly ignored them and their antics, since they know the truth.”
The governor said that while the Abia State government is one that is known and acknowledged locally, nationally, and internationally as a peace-loving government, devoid of involvement in politics of violence, division, and destruction, the government would not yield to blackmail or intimidation.
He added that the government would not sit idle and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state.
“Having sworn to an oath to protect the lives and property of Abians, including every inch of Abia territory, the government wishes to declare as follows:
“Those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including kidnapping of law-abiding citizens with a view to creating anarchy and instilling fear in the minds of Abians and visitors, after their failure to use lies and propaganda to incite Abians, should understand that the government will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear in order to smoke them out.
“That the state government led by Governor Alex Otti is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in any part of Abia State and will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hindrance.
“In addition to all resolutions, a new counteroffensive has just been launched by the government to decimate every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals; hence, citizens are enjoined not to harbour any person or persons they do not know to avoid falling victims,” he added.
“All innocent and peace-loving Abia residents are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or panic, as the government is determined to ensure their protection at all times.
“Kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, and other criminal activities and heinous crimes are alien to the culture of our people; therefore, Abians should cooperate with the government and security agencies to get rid of all criminal elements who are desirous of polluting our land with their sacrilegious activities.
“Government wishes to strongly warn that anyone who attempts to play politics with the lives and property of innocent Abians should be ready to face the consequences, as government will no longer tolerate such acts, no matter who is behind them.”
The governor urged traditional and community leaders to exercise caution and notify law enforcement of any suspicious activity so that the proper measures could be taken.
The government will not give in to emotional blackmail or appeal in any case of proven criminality, so it would like to conclude by urging parents and guardians to keep an eye on their children’s and loved ones’ activities to make sure they don’t engage in any illegal activity, he concluded.