- Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has said that soldiers would be withdrawn from the state on Friday September 15
- The Army had deployed troops to Abia state to forestall break down of law and order
-
Governor Ikpeazu also noted that he would meet with the President
Muhammadu Buhari to discuss possible ways of relaxing Operation Python
Dance II in the state
Governor
Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state said on Thursday September 14 that
soldiers would be withdrawn from the streets of Umuahia, the state
capital, and Aba, its commercial nerve centre, by Friday September 15.
NAIJ.com
gathered that Ikpeazu made this known at Government House, Umuahia,
while reacting to the security situation in the state. Umuahia had been a
scene a violence September 14, when soldiers allegedly shot 3 people and the commissioner's office was attacked. Calm was however said to have been restored to the state.
He
said the situation in the past few days, which led to the deployment of
soldiers ahead of `Operation Python Dance II’, a military exercise by
the Nigerian Army, had generated great concerns to both the government
and the people.
“I will also be
meeting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
President Muhammadu Buhari, to discuss possible ways of relaxing
Operation Python Dance II in the state for now”, he said.
He
added that the withdrawal would not affect pre-existing military
checkpoints at various locations in the state and warned mischief makers
to stay away from Abia, warning that agitations and protests would not
be tolerated.
“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.
“The
state government will work with security agents to ensure the
protection of lives and property without fear or favour. There will be
no hiding place for you.”
He also
urged residents of Aba to fully observe the current curfew in the city
and ensure that they cooperate with security agents to maintain peace
and order.
Ikpeazu said it was in the
interest of the people of Abia for peace and security to be restored, as
meaningful progress could not be achieved in an atmosphere of violence
and anarchy.
He further advised members of the public to stop
spreading rumours capable of throwing the state into disorder, warning
that anyone caught perpetrating such acts would be dealt with according
to the law.
“I swore to protect lives and properties of all Abians and residents and that I must do.
“I, therefore, call on all to support our efforts at making sure that lasting peace prevails in our dear state,” Ikpeazu added (NAN
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