Following the recent kidnapping and release of a prominent businessman in Umuahia, the Abia State government has warned traditional rulers against harbouring criminals in their communities.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, issued this warning on Wednesday evening, during a press briefing on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu stated that security agencies would intensify surveillance in communities where criminal activities are suspected and cautioned that traditional rulers found shielding criminals would be held accountable.
“As is usual with security matters, I may not want to go into details of what happened to the businessman, but the state government is advising Abians to remain vigilant.
“Town unions and traditional rulers must be alive to their duties of keeping watch over their domains,” Kanu said.
The commissioner warned that security forces would conduct raids in identified criminal hideouts stressing that anyone found protecting kidnappers or other criminals would be treated as an accomplice.
He urged Residents to report suspicious activities, reinforcing the message of “when you see something, say something.”
Beyond security, Kanu provided updates on ongoing infrastructure projects across the state. He said work was progressing at all 41 Direct Labour Project sites across the state, with several key road repairs and reconstructions completed or nearing completion.
Among the projects is the 19.5-kilometre Umuahia-Bende Road, which has now been recommended for total reconstruction, the maintenance repair of 1.76-kilometre igbere Junction to Onu roundabout Igbere which he said was recently completed, the 2.5-kilometre Umuokogbuo Road Isiukwuato, and the 8.3-kilometre Isieketa-obikabia Road, in Isiala Ngwa South which will be marked and fitted with solar street lights.
He also confirmed the completion of the Obehie-Ezendioma road, Ukwa west LGA, while noting that 27 other projects remain active across the state. He assured that contractors were on-site working to meet deadlines.
Kanu further highlighted the progress of the Umuahia Urban Renewal Project, aimed at transforming the state capital into a modern city. He mentioned ongoing work at Bank Road FMC Junction and the construction of a new bus terminal, which he described as a “signature project” that would redefine transportation in the city.
He noted that the government would soon begin strict enforcement of commercial vehicle registration while urging drivers who had yet to comply, to do so immediately to avoid penalties.
