There are no killings and arsons in Aba

By Enyinnaya Appolos

The Attention of the Government of Abia State has been drawn to an attempt by certain individuals to exploit the current security situation in the State to incite groups against each other.
Many Government officials including the Governor, Security Agencies and leaders were inundated with phone calls alleging that persons and properties were being attacked around Uratta, Umuode, Ariaria and Umuozuo axis of Aba.
Deploying social media and phone calls, the rumors were widely circulated around Aba, the state and beyond, leading to many having sleepless nights.
Checks by security agencies, especially the Nigerian police in Aba around the area, showed that the rumours were false.
This morning, the security agencies have checked and it is confirmed that there were no such attacks.
The government believes that the rumors were deliberately circulated to sow mischief, and cause the breakdown of law and order. This totally unacceptable. The government wishes to assure the public that it is doing its best to protect the citizens and all who reside in the state.
Yesterday, September 13, 2018, The Governor met with the GOC of 82 Division of the Nigeria Army and all Traditional rulers in Abia State.
The Governor and Royal fathers appealed to the military to scale back deployment of soldiers in Umuahia and Aba to enable the Royal Fathers once again, dialogue with IPOB.
Clearly, those who sew and circulate these dangerous rumor, and undermining all the efforts of dialogue as a further breakdown of law and order, will certainly lead to the deployment of more security agents.
The Government therefore, wishes that use this medium to appealable to individuals, to discountenance such unfounded rumors and incitement and go about their lawful businesses.
We also urge you to report persons peddling such rumors of attack on individuals and properties to security agents.