In a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, Abia State, the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Macdonald Ubah, vehemently denied the news circulating that the government had ordered northerners residing and conducting business at Lokpanta cattle market to leave the state.
Ubah, a retired naval commander, explained that the Lokpanta-Uturu area has been plagued by criminal activities for years, prompting the state government to take decisive actions to combat the spate of kidnappings and other violent crimes in the region.
According to the security aide, preliminary investigations revealed that the Lokpanta Cattle Market served as a hub for various criminal activities, including kidnappings, organ harvesting, and armed robbery. Ransoms for kidnap victims were even exchanged at the market.
As part of the government’s strategy to ensure the safety of its citizens, the demolition of brothels and shanties within the market area was carried out. The aim was not to evict northerners but to transform the market into a daily market rather than a residential one. The government remains steadfast in this decision.
Furthermore, Ubah emphasized that Governor Alex Otti is a leader who recognizes merit and diversity. This is evident in his appointments of non-Abians to his cabinet. He firmly stated that most of the cattle dealers in the state are second and third-generation Igbo, reaffirming the inclusivity of the Governor Otti-led government.
Ubah also revealed that he had held two meetings with the market unions to inform them of the government’s decision to transform the market into a daily one for security reasons. He stressed that the government has no plans to evict northerners from Lokpanta, contrary to the false reports circulating.
In conclusion, the Abia State Government’s focus is to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens and the cattle dealers. The transformation of the Lokpanta Cattle Market into a daily market will help in curbing criminal activities and ensuring a conducive environment for business activities.
