Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday, directed all settlers, herders and those residing inside the forests around Umunneochi Local Council to vacate there immediately.
This directive was contained in a statement issued by the State Information Commissioner, Dr. Eze Chikamnayo, stating that the directive was consequent upon the fact-finding visit of the governor to the scenes of incessant kidnappings and killings in Umunneochi Local Council of the state and interactive sessions he has been having with Umunneochi leaders, stakeholders and security agencies.
The governor also directed the state Commissioner of Police and Umunneochi youths to provide security along the Ihube to Isuochi road, stretching from Ngodo through Lomara junction all the way to Ihube.
According to the directive, upon the implementation of the above, the Chairman of Umunneochi Local Council, Chief Ifeanyi Madu, is to open the road leading from Ihube through Lomara junction to Ngodo Isuochi immediately.
“The Commissioner of Police has been mandated to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional checkpoints at strategic locations across Umunneochi LGA.
“All cows and herders around Umunneochi Local Council are, hereby, restricted to the Cattle Market located at Umuchieze, until a final decision is reached concerning the menace in the Cattle Market.”
The statement added that while the leadership of the youths of Umunneochi, vigilante groups, hunters and the Hausa community continue to discuss with the governor until an amicable solution is found, Ikpeazu urged all parties to show restraint in their utterances and actions to maintain peace and promote peaceful coexistence of all law-abiding citizens.
