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Following the incessant kidnap activities in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has ordered herdsmen living in the forests in the area to vacate as their safety is no longer guaranteed.
Recall that the Prelate of the Methodist Church, Samuel Uche, was kidnapped in the area by suspected herdsmen, last week. Youths of the Umunneochi communities gave a 7 day ultimatum to the state government to relocate the Cattle Market at Umuchieze which allegedly habours criminal herders behind kidnap activities.
The youths also accused soldiers at Lomara junction military checkpoint of allegedly frustrating efforts to end kidnapping in the area.
Governor Ikpeazu who gave the order after a meeting with stakeholders of Umunneochi LGA, Commissioner for Information, Mr.Eze Chikamnayo, directed the state Commissioner of Police to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional check points at strategic locations across Umunneochi council area.
Ikpeazu, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, further restricted the movement of cows and herders in Umunneochi LGA to the Cattle Market at Umuchieze until a final decision is reached concerning the menace in the Cattle Market.
“That the Commissioner of Police, Abia State alongside with Umunneochi Youths, provide immediate Security along the Ihube to Isuochi Road stretching from Ngodo through Lomara Junction all the Way to Ihube.
“Upon the implementation of the above directive, The Governor directs the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Ifeanyi Madu to open the Road leading from Ihube through Lomara Junction to Ngodo Isuochi immediately.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State has been mandated to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional check points at strategic locations across Umunneochi LGA.
“Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu hereby directs that all settlers, herders and individuals residing inside the forests around Umunneochi LGA to vacate such locations with immediate effect. Government can no longer guarantee the safety of any person or group found to be residing in the forests around Umunneochi LGA.
” All Cows and herders around Umunneochi LGA are hereby restricted strictly to the Cattle Market located at Umuchieze until a final decision is reached concerning the menace in the Cattle Market.
“The Leadership of the Youths of Umunneochi LGA, Vigilante Groups, Hunters and the Hausa Community will continue to meet with the Governor until an amicable solution is found to the incessant cases of Insecurity in the area.
The Governor also directed all parties to show restraint in their utterances and actions and maintain peace as well as promote peaceful coexistence of all law abiding citizens.