Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has said that his administration shall use every lawful means to protect and safeguard every inch of the territory of the state from criminals and marauders.
Ikpeazu said he this today at Akirika Obu Community in Ukwa East council area when he visited the community to assess the current situation on the heels of reports of some unlawful invasion of the Community by some criminal elements.
The governor made it clear that his administration shall resist any form of expansionist agenda, either by communities from neighboring states or from any outlawed group by whatever name called.
Ikpeazu who arrived the border community with a contingent of military officers, assured them that every available space in the community will, henceforth be well policed and informed them that the Military had come to stay in their community permanently to ensure their safety and protection.
He said that he responded to distress calls from the community on the invasion of their homeland by hoodlums from both a neighboring community in Akwa Ibom State and from a group which had been outlawed by the federal government that sought to establish a base in the community.
The Governor made it clear that Akirika Obu Community in Ukwa East council area is a part and parcel of Abia State and as such, his government will take every lawful step to protect it from any form of unlawful invasion.
On the lingering boundary dispute between the Akirika Obu Community and their neighbors in Ika Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, the governor stated that the matter is before the National Boundaries Commission and until a final determination is made, Akirika Obu remains in Abia State and he will do his duty as the governor by ensuring that the status quo is maintained, and especially that the life and property of the people are safeguarded.
He called on the community to cooperate with the soldiers during their stay and allow them to carry out their primary assignment there.
Ikpeazu said, “We warned against using the soldiers for the resolution of civil disputes amongst them, I want to assure that this administration will continue to provide logistics support to the soldiers to ensure that they have maximum comfort in the area”.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the council area, Hon. Chuks Wabara while welcoming the Governor, expressed delight at the visit of the governor, noting that this was the very first time a sitting governor was visiting the area.
Wabara expressed confidence that the visit of the governor will put an end to all forms of crisis of insecurity in the area.
He assured that the people and the local government administration will cooperate with the military men posted to their area.
