...Otti vows not to surrender any inch of state to criminals
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
An evil tunnel located at Lokpanta near the Regional Cattle Market at Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, where kidnappers terrorising residents and commuters enroute the state, has been uncovered.
According to the Special Adviser to Gov. Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the tunnel was discovered by the operatives of the Operation Crush security team who raided the area.
Recall that an attempt by the State Government in 2023, to fence round the Cattle Market to improve security in the area and stop infiltration by criminal elements said to be harboured in the market, was met with stiff resistance.
But not deterred, the State Government had early this year, commenced the fencing project, insisting that the move is to enhance security around the area and not meant to witchhunt any group contrary to misconceptions in certain quarters.
Ekeoma explained that the hidden tunnel was discovered when Government deployed earth-moving equipment to the area.
He said that the kidnapper fled after exchange of fire with security operatives.
Ekeoma said no part of the state would be allowed as a breeding ground for criminals.
“The hidden tunnel was discovered as the state government led by Governor Alex Otti, deployed earth-moving equipment to clear the area after the criminal cartel succumbed to the superior firepower of the government-backed Operation Crush.
“We will not surrender an inch of our territory to criminals. During the launch of the Abia State Joint Security Task Force (Operation Crush), Governor Otti ordered security agencies to ensure that all criminals, especially kidnappers making life hellish for the people of Umunneochi and other parts of the state were brought to justice and their criminal infrastructure and architecture destroyed.”
Ikengaonline reports that there has been a significant improvement on the security situation of Abia State in the recent times.
