Governor Otti doles out vehicles to security agencies in Abia, vows to prioritize security

Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has presented 20 brand new Toyota Hilux trucks, equipped with modern gadgets to security agencies in the State to strengthen the efforts of their personnel.

Presenting the vehicles at the premises of the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti recalled that his government took security as one of its priorities when he came on board as Governor.

The Governor explained that the 20 Hilux trucks, purchased by the State government for the various security agencies in the State is aimed at ensuring that the operations of the law enforcement agencies are seamless.

“When we assumed the leadership of this State, eighteen months plus ago, we made it very clear that security was topmost on our agenda”.

“We understood clearly that every other thing that we wanted to do would amount to nothing if security was compromised”.

“We took a decision that we needed to support the security agencies with vehicles and other equipment to ensure that their job is seamless”.

“It is in redemption of that promise that we have gathered today to hand over 20 brand new Toyota Hilux trucks, purchased by the State government to our security agencies.

“This is a way of appreciating the job you do, it is also a way of arming you so that you would be more effective and efficient”, Otti stated.

He promised that his admnistration would continue to prioritize security and will always give the security agencies in the State maximum support.

The Governor highlighted his administration’s achievements in improving Security since assumption of office, including the launch of Operation Crush, noting that the inter – agency operation has played a critical role in tackling crime and restoring safety in areas previously over-run by criminals, particularly in Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs.

He revealed that towns and villages previously inaccessible due to the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers have been reclaimed, thereby allowing residents to return to their communities.

“People who could not access their villages in several years were able to access their villages and actually spent Christmas last year in their villages and since then, we have continued to do the needful to ensure that our State is peaceful”, the Governor noted.

While acknowledging isolated incidents involving criminals infiltrating the State, the Governor assured the public that his administration remains steadfast in its resolve to address security challenges.

He used the opportunity to disclose that the State has rejigged it’s security architecture and warned that Abia state would no longer be a safe haven for anyone who chooses to operate outside the law.

“We want to repeat the warning we gave that this place will not be accommodating to people who do not want to live according to the dictates of the law”, Otti emphasized.

He disclosed that many of the criminals who tested the capacity of the State have been arrested, warning that Abia will not accommodate those who did not want to leave according to dictates of the law.

Governor Alex Otti while commending the efforts of the various security agencies reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality and ensuring peace in the State, advised the service commanders to warn their men to stay away from any criminal activities, as well as extorting people.

Responding on behalf of the service commanders, the Commander 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General O.O. Diya, assured that all security agencies would intensify efforts in maintaining security in Abia State and implored residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to rid the State of all forms of crime and criminality.
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He expressed gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support to the security agencies in the State and assured citizens that security forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat in the State.

Divine Nwankwo
Govt. House Press Umuahia.