* Okays 6 more police check points in Umunneochi LGA
Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in the wake of the abduction of the Prelate of Methodist Church Samuel Kanu Uche, has ordered herders and other unathorised persons to leave the forests of Umunneochi Local government Area, where the crime was committed.
The governor also directed that cows and herders operating in the area are restricted to the Cattle Market in Umuchieze, until a final decision is reached concerning the menace they constitute.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Eze Chikamnayo, who disclosed this through a statement, further said the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Janet Agbede, has been asked to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional check points at strategic locations across the Umunneochi Local government Area.
“Governor Okezie 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.
“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 Ggvernor directs the Chairman of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Ifeanyi Madu, to open the road leading from Ihube through Lomara junction to Ngodo Isuochi immediately.”
He further directed the leadership of the youths of Umunneochi council, vigilante groups, hunters and the Hausa community to continue to meet with him until an amicable solution is found to the incessant cases of insecurity in the area.
The governor, however, urged all parties to show restraint in their utterances and actions, in order to maintain peace and promote peaceful coexistence of all law abiding citizens.