We Shall No Longer Tolerate Protesters Taking Over the Streets Of Abia -Ikpeazu Warns

By Promise Uzoma Okoro,Umuahia

Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has warned that henceforth,the Government of Abia State will no longer tolerate agitators and Protesters taking over any street in the State.

Governor Ikpeazu made the warning while addressing Journalists at the Abia State Government House Umuahia on Thursday afternoon over the security Situation in the State.

Ikpeazu said the security situation in the state in the past few days, which led to the deployment of soldiers into our state ahead of the Operation Python dance 11, has become of great concern to his Government .

“After several interventions, I want to inform you that by tomorrow morning, there will be withdrawal of solders from the streets at Aba and Umuahia, apart from the pre-existing military checkpoints at various location in the state”.

“With the expected exit of soldiers from the streets, we must warn that we will not tolerate agitators and protesters taking over the streets for any reason at all”.

Ikpeazu said he will be meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss possible ways of relaxing the Operation Python dance 11 in the state for now.

The Governor said the ugly incidences of attacks on police stations and military posts at Aba and Umuahia  and all other acts that are capable of causing insecurity in the state will no longer tolerated .

“We have also observed illegal acts of throwing petrol bombs and setting up of bonfires to obstruct free movements along some roads by suspected miscreants and wish to warn that such acts should stop forthwith”.

The Governor warned mischief makers who are plotting evil against the state to desist henceforth or face the full wrath of the Law

“To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, let me announce to you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked acts as the government will work with security agents to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the state without fear or favor. There will be no hiding place for you”.

Speaking on what really happened at the uratta axis of Aba Yesterday,the Governor some hoodlums attempted to burn down the Ariaria International market in Aba,but the combined efforts of the security agencies prevented them from carring on with their plans.

“At about midnight yesterday, we received security reports that hoodlums and miscreants, some of whom were allegedly brought into the state by unscrupulous individuals, were mobilizing around Uratta road at Aba with a view to converging at Ariaria International Market to burn it down. Their aim was obviously to take advantage of the security situation in the state to cripple the economy of the state and cause widespread suffering”.

“It was this group that originated the rumors of attacks and counter attacks around the area and also tried to create panic to force people out of their homes to enable them execute their evil intentions under the cover of orchestrated crises”.

“Thankfully their plan was nipped in the bud by the combined team of soldiers and policemen that promptly moved to the area and later positioned around Ariaria market to protect the lives and properties of our people”.

“We have it on good authority that the same group of hoodlums attempted to burn down the police station at Ariaria market early today and security agents are currently on the hunt for them and those outside the state who are sponsoring their evil actions. Not even one of them will escape the full weight of the law”.

Members and sympathizers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should henceforth desist from spreading false rumors capable of throwing our state into disorder. Those spreading such falsehood will be dealt with, according to the Law.

Ikpeazu advise Those at Aba  to fully observe the current curfew in the city and ensure that they cooperate with security agents to maintain peace and order as according to him,he swore to protect lives and properties of all Abians and residents in the state