Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Massive protests have erupted in Uturu Community, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, over incessant cases of Kidnapping by suspected herdsmen on the Uturu/Okigwe federal highway.
Irate youths in their numbers blocked the highway to register their disgust over the sad development which they said could no longer be tolerated.
The protests are coming 48 hours after seven passengers were allegedly abducted on the road.
The protesters chanting war songs urged both Abia and Imo State Governments to urgently take action against the menace.
One of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that the people “are now living in fear of murderous herdsmen and bandits who now operate with impunity.”
He said that apart from commuters who have become preys to the bandits, people of the community are now afraid to go to farm because of “the activities of these herdsmen.”
Another community source who spoke with Ikengaonline, said that Uturu/Okigwe axis had become another hot bed for bandits in recent times.
The source which also pleaded for anonymity for fear of being trailed, said that the most annoying thing was that security agencies had abandoned the people to their fate.
“We are tired of living in fears. We want Government to come to our aids.
“Two days ago, seven passengers coming to Uturu from Okigwe were kidnapped by these boys who are now demanding N10 million ransom for each of the victims.
“Since Monday bandits and herdsmen with AK 47 have been kidnapping people on this road.
“The anger of our youths is that we have about six security checkpoints between Uturu and Okigwe but these boys keep operating without any hindrances.”
Kidnapping for ransom has become so rampant around Uturu and Okigwe vicinity.
Meanwhile, Abia State Government has expressed sadness over the rising cases of Kidnapping around Uturu/Okigwe axis, vowing to deal with the perpetrators.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, in a statement, appealed for calm, assuring that Government is making efforts to get at the perpetrators.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read in full: “Abia State Government has been informed of yet another incident of senseless kidnapping and unfortunate death of innocent citizens especially students around the ABSU – UTURU- OKIGWE axis and Umunneochi – Ihube Area occasioned by the criminal activities of mindless terrorists.
“Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu is a very proactive, security conscious Leader who over the years has proven through visible results that the safety and welfare of all Abians and Nigerians is his topmost priority.
“We, as a Government, are saddened by this ugly development around our Boundaries with Imo State and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that normalcy is quickly restored.
“However, we may not for operational reasons be able to go into further details at this time so as to safeguard the processes already put in place by our hardworking Security Agencies and Government Authorities.
“Governor Ikpeazu assures all our Citizens of his total commitment in the aforementioned regard while urging all to remain calm and maintain the peace,” he said.
