The Abia State Government is determined to prevent criminal activities from undermining the progress achieved under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
During a briefing after the Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Kanu, emphasized the state’s zero tolerance for crime.
He recounted an incident where armed criminals clashed with security forces along the Port Harcourt-Enugu Express Road in Umuode community and later at Umuojima in Osisioma, resulting in the neutralization of one attacker and the escape of others with gunshot wounds.
Furthermore, a Highlander vehicle belonging to the criminals was abandoned and seized by security agencies, as per the commissioner.
The government received credible intelligence indicating the criminals’ intent to cause chaos in the state, urging the public to remain vigilant.
In addressing the situation, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (retd.), mentioned a reevaluation of the state’s anti-crime strategies.
He assured a revised approach in combating criminal elements, emphasizing a heightened pursuit of lawbreakers without any casualties on the security forces’ side.
This signals a shift from conventional methods, with security agencies actively tracking down the fleeing criminals.
It is worth noting that the state government had previously announced plans to register and regulate motorcycles and tricycles to curb associated criminal activities and enhance public safety.