Crime

Revealing the Hidden Forces: Governor Alex Otti Reveals True Culprits Behind Abia’s Deadly Attacks

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 20th, 2024.

Revealing the Hidden Forces: Governor Alex Otti Reveals True Culprits Behind Abia’s Deadly Attacks

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has accused local opposition figures, with support from external sources, of fueling the recent surge in violence across the state. According to Otti, the attacks, which include the killings of security personnel, are part of a deliberate effort to destabilize his administration and undermine its development initiatives.

The Governor’s statement follows a series of violent incidents that have raised alarm among residents and security forces. On November 13, two Nigerian soldiers were killed at a checkpoint on the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Ekeneobizi, Umuahia South. Just a few days later, on November 16, gunmen ambushed a convoy carrying a Nigerian lawmaker, killing a police officer.

Although the Nigerian government has pointed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as the prime suspects behind the violence, IPOB has denied any involvement. However, Governor Otti claims that opposition politicians, rather than IPOB, are the true masterminds behind the attacks.

In a statement released on November 18 by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti explained that the violence, which began in late May, is a calculated attempt to disrupt his administration’s focus on state development. He described the attacks as part of a strategy to create division and detract from the government’s progress. “Their goal is to spread discontent and derail the administration’s development agenda,” Otti said.

In response to these escalating threats, Otti promised a vigorous “counter-offensive” to eliminate the criminal elements destabilizing the region. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate any attempts to disturb the peace and security of Abia State. “We will not sit back and watch as violent groups terrorize our peaceful citizens,” he vowed.

The Governor’s comments come on the heels of another recent attack, in which Inspector Bala Mohammed, a security official assigned to protect lawmaker Ginger Onwusibe, was killed during an ambush by gunmen.

Governor Otti’s firm stance highlights his determination to restore order and continue his development agenda, despite the growing security challenges in the state.