Ikpeazu vows to protect Abia territory from invasion

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has vowed to protect the state from invasion by criminals, bandits and those seeking to expand their territories.

Speaking yesterday at Akirika Obu, Ukwa East Council, during his visit to assess the damage by criminals who invaded the community recently, Ikpeazu said he would use all available lawful means to protect every inch of any threatened territory of the state.

The governor, who arrived the border community with military officers, assured the community that soldiers had been deployed to ensure their safety.

According to the governor, the visit was prompted by distress calls from residents that hoodlums from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State and a group that sought to establish a base within the community attacked their homeland.

“Akirika Obu is part and parcel of Abia State and, as such, government will take every lawful step to protect it from any form of unlawful invasion. We shall resist any form of expansionist agenda, either by communities from neighbouring states or any group,” Ikpeazu stated.

On the lingering boundary dispute between Akirika Obu and Ika Council of Akwa Ibom, the governor noted that the matter was before the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

Until a final determination is made, Akirika Obu remains in Abia, he said, adding that he would do the needful as governor to main tain the status quo and safeguard life and property.

He, therefore, enjoined the community to cooperate with the soldiers and allow them to carry out their primary assignment, just as he condemned the use of soldiers to resolve civil disputes among them.

In his remarks, chairman of the council, Chuks Wabara, expressed optimism that the governor’s visit would put an end to all forms of crises in that area, assuring that the people would cooperate with the military posted to their area.