The Abia State government has issued a stern warning to those behind the recent wave of violence and crime in the state, vowing to bring the full weight of the law to bear on them.
According to a press statement on Monday, signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor (Media and Publicity), Otti said the government has received tip-offs from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with external parties, are behind the violence.
“We will not yield to blackmail or intimidation,” the government declared. “Those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians should understand that the government will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear in order to smoke them out.”
The government also announced the launch of a new Counter Offensive aimed at decimating every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals. Citizens are urged not to harbour any person or persons they do not know, to avoid falling victims.
Governor Alex Otti assured the people of Abia that his government is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding their lives and property. “We will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hinderance,” he said.
The government also warned that anyone who attempts to play politics with the lives and property of innocent Abians will face the consequences. Community leaders and traditional leaders are urged to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the law enforcement agencies.
The statement reads in part
Following series of tip-off from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence, it has been firmly established that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with some external parties are behind the current wave of violence and crime in the state since the end of May this year. The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state. This strategy kicked in as they realised that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the government in pretentious posturing as “opposition” has failed to gain currency amongst Abia people who have thoroughly ignored them and their antics, since they know the truth.
While the Abia State government is one that is known and acknowledged locally, nationally and internationally as a peace-loving government, devoid of involvement in politics of violence, division and destruction, it must be noted that we will not yield to blackmail or intimidation. It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state.
Having sworn to an oath to protect the lives and property of Abians, including every inch of Abia territory, the government wishes to declare as follows:
1. That those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including kidnapping of law abiding citizens with a view to creating anarchy and instill fear in the minds of Abians and visitors, after their failure to use lies and propaganda to incite Abians should understand that the government will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear in order to smoke them out.
2. That the state government led by Governor Alex Otti, is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in any part of Abia State and will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hinderance.
3. That a new Counter Offensive has just been launched by the government to decimate every structure of terror erected or being erected in any Abia territory by criminals, hence citizens are enjoined not to harbour any person or persons they do not know, to avoid falling victims.
4. All innocent and peace-loving Abia residents are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or panic, as government is determined to ensure their protection at all times.
5. Kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings and other criminal activities and heinous crimes are allien to the culture of our people, therefore, Abians should cooperate with the government and security agencies to get rid of all criminal elements who are desirous of polluting our land with their sacrilegious activities.
6. Government wishes to strongly warn that anyone that attempts to play politics with the lives and property of innocent Abians should be ready to face the consequences, as government will no longer tolerate such acts, no matter who is behind them.
7. Community leaders and traditional leaders are enjoined to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to the law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions
8. Finally, government wishes to call on parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and loved ones, in order to ensure they do not indulge in any form of criminal activities, as government will not yield to any form of emotional blackmail or appeal in any matter of established criminality.
