In a decisive response to the alarming rise in violent attacks targeting security personnel in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has publicly accused opposition politicians of orchestrating these acts of violence. This assertion comes in light of recent incidents that have resulted in the deaths of soldiers and police officers, raising significant concerns about the safety and security of residents.
Governor Otti revealed that these violent acts, which have escalated since late May 2024, are part of a calculated strategy by certain unnamed opposition figures to destabilize his administration. He emphasized that the attacks are not merely random acts of violence but are aimed at distracting the government from its developmental agenda and causing disaffection among the populace.
“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state,” Governor Otti stated. He further indicated that these opposition politicians are collaborating with external parties to sponsor these attacks, which have included assaults on military checkpoints and ambushes on law enforcement officials.
In response to this growing threat, Governor Otti announced a comprehensive “counter-offensive” initiative aimed at neutralizing the criminal elements responsible for these violent acts. “The government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he asserted.
The governor's remarks follow a series of violent incidents, including the recent killing of two Nigerian soldiers at a checkpoint and the assassination of Inspector Bala Mohammed, a police officer assigned to protect a member of the House of Representatives. These events have heightened fears among residents and prompted urgent calls for action from security agencies.