From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has vowed that Abia State will no longer share any part of its territory with criminal elements and their sponsors, warning hoodlums to leave the state immediately or be crushed.
Otti, who gave the warning in Umuahia yesterday, while launching a security initiative codenamed “Operation Crush”, said the scheme was part of efforts of his government to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
The governor, while stating that the programme was a strong and coordinated response to the lingering insecurity in Abia, said it was designed to tackle crime and insecurity in the state head-on.
“The goal of this initiative was to counter incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, and as such, security personnel involved in this operation should pay special attention to flash points, especially around the Umunneochi and Isuikwuato axis, Aba, Umuahia, and other parts of the state.
“I admonish the security personnel to be brave and ruthless to the criminal elements, and at the same time guard against harassment of innocent citizens.”
Otti made it clear that those who harbour and provide assistance to the criminals will be dealt with according to the law, and urged Abians as well as residents to volunteer intelligence and useful information, to enable the scheme succeed, as hotlines would soon be made available for such information.
The governor informed that the Operation Crush is a joint task force, comprising the Police, Army, Navy, DSS and NSCDC, while its aim is to identify and respond swiftly to security threats anywhere in the state.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Kenneth Kalu, said the launch of the programme was in line with the governor’s promise during his inauguration. He said Operation Crush is a security initiative that would enable the people to sleep with their two eyes closed and equally bring more investors to the state.
Responding on behalf of other security chiefs in the state, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, said security is not just about making noise openly, but doing the needful behind the scene.
He thanked the governor for demonstrating commitment in ensuring high level security in the state and assured they would do their best to enable the scheme to succeed. Otti handed over the first batch of 20 security Hilux vans to the security personnel.