From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Following recent killings in Abia State, which claimed the lives of at least five security personnel in less than a week, Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to overhaul the state’s security architecture.
Speaking to the press after an emergency security council meeting, Governor Otti stated that his administration is determined to eliminate criminal elements in the state.
“We have all sat down to review the security architecture of the state, and I am pleased that we have resolved to rejig it to ensure that incidents like these attacks become a thing of the past.
“We have also decided to smoke out all the criminal elements, wherever they may be hiding.
“We are confident in our ability to deal with them accordingly, and we have the full commitment of the security agencies.”
The governor issued a stern warning to criminal elements, declaring that Abia State would no longer serve as a haven for them.
“We want to give notice: if you are a criminal in Abia State—whether you call yourself a bandit, a kidnapper, or anything else—this state will not be safe for you. That is the warning,” he emphasised.
Governor Otti reassured residents and visitors that the recent attacks did not reflect the general security situation in Abia State. He expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to address the challenges and maintain safety for all.
The governor also extended his condolences to the Nigerian Army and Police over the tragic incidents in Ekenobizi, Ubakala, and Ohafia, vowing to ensure such occurrences do not repeat. He further disclosed plans to visit the families of the deceased security personnel.
The emergency security meeting was attended by service commanders from various agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, DSS, Civil Defence, and Correctional Services.