The Governor of Abia state, Alex Otti has assured his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties of its citizens and residents of the state.
Governor Otti stated this during his visit to the Isu community in the Arochukwu local government area of the state to commiserate with the family of Mrs Blessing K. Elem and to also ascertain the extent of damage in the community following the invasion of the area by the Ukwa community in Cross River State.
Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor ordered the immediate transfer of scores of gunshot victims to a specialist hospital for proper medical attention with attendant bills to be fully paid by the state government.
He said: “I have communicated with the government of Cross River State to call her people to order and stop further infiltration.
“The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is saddened over this obnoxious act and enjoins you to remain calm as the government is working hand in glove with the security agencies to ensure that checkpoints are mounted at all entry points into Isu as well as constitute a patrol team. His condolences are with you.”
He assured the Isu community of the state government’s resolve to show presence in the long-forgotten area by the previous administrations, by fixing access roads to boundaries in the Isu community up to the beach which serves as a natural boundary feature, as well as other areas having inter-state boundary issues across the State.
He commended the traditional ruler of Isu autonomous community, HRH, Eze Augustine Igwe, President General of Obieze and Ike Isu Communities, Mazi Teddy Kalu and Hon. Nicholas Kalu, respectively, for their maturity in handling the situation.
In his speech, the president general of the Ike Isu community, Hon. Nicholas Kalu described Isu people as peace-loving people blessed with abundant limestone deposits which the Ukwa people in Cross River State want to take possession of.
He regretted the failure of past administrations in bringing economic and infrastructural development to the area but trusted the leadership of Dr. Otti in providing basic amenities such as a good road network for easy transportation of agricultural produce and strengthening their communication with other neighbouring communities in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
The traditional ruler of Isu Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Augustine Igwe, Ike 1 of Isu, thanked the Governor for his prompt visit and appealed for sustained security in the area by building a security camp along the Isu road leading to the beach.
The governor was later joined by the Commissioner of Police, Abia state, Mr. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie with his team, including the medical team.
The Divisional Police Officer and the Army Unit Commander, Arochukwu local government area accompanied the Deputy Governor during the visit.
