Governor Alex Otti Accuses Opposition of Sponsoring Violence in Abia State, Vows Action
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has accused opposition politicians, allegedly with external support, of orchestrating the recent wave of violence and insecurity in the state. The governor made this assertion in response to a series of violent incidents, including attacks on security personnel and public officials, which he claims are part of a plot to destabilize his administration and hinder its development agenda.
Escalating Insecurity in Abia State
The state has witnessed a disturbing surge in attacks in recent weeks:
- November 13: Two Nigerian soldiers were killed at a checkpoint on the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Ekeneobizi, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
- November 16: Gunmen ambushed the convoy of a federal lawmaker, killing a police officer in the process.
While the federal government has attributed the violence to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group has denied involvement. Governor Otti, however, insists the attacks are politically motivated, pointing fingers at opposition politicians within the state.
Otti’s Allegations Against the Opposition
In a statement issued by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor alleged that opposition forces, frustrated by their inability to undermine his administration through false propaganda, have now resorted to violence.
“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” the statement read.
A Strong Counter-Response
Governor Otti assured residents that his administration would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the state. He announced a “counter-offensive” to dismantle criminal structures and restore peace in Abia.
“The government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” Otti said.
Security Concerns Persist
The recent attacks, including the killing of Inspector Bala Mohammed and Inspector Dunna Jatau, who were assigned to federal lawmaker Ginger Onwusibe, have heightened fears among residents.
Otti’s administration has pledged to intensify efforts to secure the state and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
