Donates 20 patrol vans to security agencies
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
In his determination to ensure adequate security of lives and property of residents and make Abia “a destination for investors,” Governor Alex Otti, Tuesday, launched a special security operation code-named, “Operation Crush.”
Otti while launching the special operation at Okpara Square Umuahia, ordered criminal elements terrorising residents of the state to choose between relocating from the state and getting crushed.
The Governor declared that criminals would never again be allowed any breeding grounds in the state.
Recalling that “security of lives and property is the primary responsibility of Government,” Otti declared an end to all forms of criminality in the state.
He said he came on board to make Abia a secure state and an investment haven, arguing that investors cannot come if criminals are still on rampage.
Otti said he decided to launch the special operation to restore security and peace in the state.
“The goal of this special operation is to protect Abians against any form of insecurity. We will use the superiority of our force to clear and flush our criminals from their hideouts in any part of the state.”
He further noted that the special operation was a strong and coordinated response to the lingering insecurity in the state.
Otti recalled that he had during his inaugural speech, declared that there would be zero tolerance for insecurity in the state, hence the operation was in fulfillment of the earlier promise.
He vowed to deal decisively with the upsurge of crime in parts of the state especially Isuochi, Lomara, Lokpa- Isuikwuato axis, where kidnappers have almost converted into their dens.
The Governor vowed that none of the perpetrators of the atrocities in the affected areas would be allowed to go unpunished.
Otti who expressed pain over various attacks against innocent citizens in the state said he particularly considered the July 25 attack on the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Isaac Ukaegbu in Aba, an assault on the Government which would no longer be allowed.
“We shall no longer tolerate them. Never again! Criminals won’t have any space again in Abia territory.
“There is one of only two options: Either to leave the state in a hurry or be crushed with the one language that they understand. And that is the language of superior force!”
Gov. Otti said that security agencies in the state had his permission to smoke out and deal decisively with criminals disturbing the peace of residents.
He also said that the special operation would be after those who habour or provide protection for criminals.
“Crime offers no reward but regret and shame.” Otti declared.
He, however, cautioned security operatives against harassment of innocent citizens, warning that such over-zealousness will not be condoned.
The Governor, in fact, warned that the heads of security agencies would be held liable for any excesses of their personnel involved in the special operation.
Otti who said that hot lines of the special operation would be made available to the public, pleaded with residents to help volunteer information about suspected criminals in their localities for prompt action.
The Governor later presented 20 branded Hilux patrol vans to security agencies including the Army, Police, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, involved in the special operation.
Otti promised continued support of his Government to security agencies for the good of all law-abiding citizens.
“We will support and protect all who mean well for the state,” he said, adding that “security is the foundation for enduring prosperity.”
Speaking on-behalf of Heads of security agencies in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, thanked the Governor for his commitment towards improving security in the state.
He said that the Governor had demonstrated commitment towards ensuring security of lives and property of residents.
The Police boss commended Gov. Otti for giving priority to security matters, and promised on behalf of security agencies in the state to complement the Governor’s efforts.
“The Governor has been very supportive to security operations going on in the state since he came on board. We shall do our best to support him and ensure a peaceful and stable Abia State.”
Top Government officials including the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu; Secretary to State Government, SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu; Commissioners and traditional rulers were present at the event.
Robbery, kidnapping, car theft and other forms of criminality have become almost a daily occurrence in parts of the state in the recent times.