Abia Govt Raises Alarm Over Rising Crime, Blames Politicians

The Abia State Government has revealed that certain unpatriotic politicians, in collaboration with external parties, are behind the recent surge in violence and crime that has resulted in the deaths of both security agents and civilians since May 2024.

The government, citing information from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence sources, stated that the primary aim of these perpetrators is to sow discord and divert the government’s attention away from its developmental goals for the state.

This information was shared in a press release by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti, on Monday.

The state government emphasized that it will not succumb to blackmail or intimidation from any individual or group. It issued a stern warning that it will not allow violence to be inflicted upon the peace-loving citizens of Abia State.

“Those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including the 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.

“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.”

The state government announced the launch of a new counteroffensive aimed at dismantling any criminal networks or terror structures within Abia. It cautioned citizens against harboring unfamiliar individuals to avoid becoming victims of crime.

The government also called on the people of Abia to cooperate with law enforcement in ridding the state of criminal elements and urged traditional rulers to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Recent criminal incidents in the state include the killings of three military officers in Ekenobizi, Umuahia, and the kidnapping of a politician from Port Harcourt in the state capital. Additionally, a tricycle was stolen at gunpoint

On Monday, reports indicated an attack on the convoy of House of Representatives member Ginger Onwusibe, resulting in the death of a policeman, among other criminal activities.