…Hints of move to resolve Abia, Ebonyi boundary clash
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Chief Sunny Afuruobi, has attributed the elimination of kidnapping in the council to the decision of Governor Alex Otti to demolish shanties inside the regional cattle market at Lokpa which hitherto served as a harbour for criminals.
He also said that the Governor’s insistence on fencing the market despite stiff opposition by some unpatriotic elements contributed to the drastic drop in crime wave around the area.
Recall that kidnapping for ransom was at its peak before Otti assumed power in 2023, but the menace suspected to be perpetrated by criminal herders, has drastically gone down since Otti launched a special security initiative codenamed Operation Crush.
The Council boss who spoke during a meeting with President Generals in the LGA, commended Gov. Otti for his political will to tackle insecurity in the state, saying that the entire Umunneochi now enjoys calm unlike before.
Chief Afuruobi added that the comprehensive fencing of the cattle market did not only improve security but had also boosted the economy of the Council.
He commended the efforts of various autonomous communities and their vigilante groups in crime prevention, asserting that their continued partnership with the conventional security agencies in the Council have significantly helped in tackling insecurity.
The Council boss who described the PGs as critical stakeholders in his administration, said he convened the meeting to keep them abreast of his scorecard and for them to brainstorm on consolidating the gains so far made by government; and to find lasting solutions to insecurity, electricity challenges, unemployment, and other social needs of the people.
Chief Afuruobi said he made serious commitments that led to the restoration of electricity in some parts of the LGA which had been in utter darkness before now, assuring that very soon, all parts of Umunneochi without electricity will be given attention.
He, however, appealed to the PGs to always mobilise their wards to engage in community payment of electricity bills to avoid disconnecting them.
Urging them to help safeguard power installations and other public assets in their communities, Chief Afuruobi said his massive rural road grading during the yuletide was for easy access to various autonomous communities in the council, and promised to sustain the tempo.
On the lingering land dispute which led to recent communal clash between the people of Lokpa in Umunneochi and their Ishiagu, Ebonyi State neighbours, the Mayor hinted that he had agreed with his Ivo, Ebonyi State counterpart, to meet and work out modalities to permanently address the situation.
Decrying the negative impacts of the recurring communal crises on the economic development and social activities of the people of the affected area, the Council boss expressed optimism that it would be permanently resolved.
Chief Afuruobi who promised to use the council funds judiciously, announced his plans to introduce Secondary School Games, that would feature track and field events, hinted of his plans to train youths of the council in Artificial intelligence (AI).
He also promised to empower successful youths with laptop and computer sets for self reliance.
The Council boss further hinted of his plans to introduce free medical outreach to improve the health of the people.
In their separate remarks, the National President, Isuochi Community Development Association, ICDA, Chief Ochi Orji; the PG, Chieze Development Union, Architect Chief Victor Peter Ogbu; and the PG, Nneato Development Union, Chief Okafor, all commended the Mayor for his efforts to transform the council, urging him not to relent.
