Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has hinted that soldiers stationed
in the state under the Operation Python would be withdrawn effective
tomorrow.
His statement reads:
Dear brothers and sisters, the security situation in the state in the
past few days, which led to the deployment of soldiers into our state
ahead of the Operation Python dance 11, has become of great concern to
both the government and the citizenry.
After several interventions, I want to inform you that by tomorrow
morning, there will be withdrawal of solders from the streets at Aba and
Umuahia, apart from the pre-existing military checkpoints at various
location in the state.
With the expected exit of soldiers from the streets, we must warn that we
will not tolerate agitators and protesters taking over the streets for any
reason at all.
I will also be meeting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces, President Mohamaudu Buhari, to discuss possible ways of relaxing
the Operation Python dance 11 in the state for now.
Our attention have been drawn to ugly incidences of attacks on police
stations and military posts at Aba and Umuahia and we hereby warn that we
will no longer tolerate that, and all other acts that are capable of
causing insecurity in the state.
We have also observed illegal acts of throwing petrol bombs and setting up
of bonfires to obstruct free movements along some roads by suspected
miscreants and wish to warn that such acts should stop forthwith.
To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, let me announce to
you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked
acts as the government will work with security agents to ensure the
protection of lives and properties in the state without fear or favor.
There will be no hiding place for you.
At about midnight yesterday, we received security reports that hoodlums
and miscreants, some of whom were allegedly brought into the state by
unscrupulous individuals, were mobilizing around Uratta road at Aba with a
view to converging at Ariaria International Market to burn it down. Their
aim was obviously to take advantage of the security situation in the state
to cripple the economy of the state and cause widespread suffering.
It was this group that originated the rumors of attacks and counter
attacks around the area and also tried to create panic to force people out
of their homes to enable them execute their evil intentions under the
cover of orchestrated crises.
Thankfully their plan was nipped in the bud by the combined team of
soldiers and policemen that promptly moved to the area and later
positioned around Ariaria market to protect the lives and properties of
our people.
We have it on good authority that the same group of hoodlums attempted to
burn down the police station at Ariaria market early today and security
agents are currently on the hunt for them and those outside the state who
are sponsoring their evil actions. Not even one of them will escape the
full weight of the law.
Members and sympathizers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should
henceforth desist from spreading false rumors capable of throwing our
state into disorder. Those spreading such falsehood will be dealt with,
according to the Law.
My fellow Abians, it is in the interest of all our citizens and residents
for full and total peace and security to return to our state immediately.
No meaningful progress can be made in an atmosphere of violence and and
anarchy.
Those at Aba are therefore advised to fully observe the current curfew in
the city and ensure that they cooperate with security agents to maintain
peace and order.
I swore to protect lives and properties of all Abians and residents and
that I must do. I therefore call on all to support our efforts at making
sure that lasting peace prevails in our dear state.
God bless Abia State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor of Abia State.