The repeated kidnap incidents in Abia State, has led the government to direct herders and settlers residing inside forests around Umummeochi Local Government Area (LGA) to vacate. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, also directed that cows and herders around operating in the area are restricted to the Cattle Market at Umuchieze until a final decision is reached concerning the menace in the Cattle Market. Commissioner for Information. Mr. Eze Chikamnayo, who disclosed this in a statement revealed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs Janet Agbede, has been mandated to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional check points at strategic locations across Umunneochi council area.
According to the directive, upon the implementation of the above, the Chariman of Umunneochi LGA, Chief Ifeanyi Madu, is to open the road leading from Ihube through Lomara junction to Ngodo Isuochi immediately.
He further instructed the leadership of the Youths of the LGA, vigilante groups, hunters and the Hausa Community to continue to meet with him until an amicable solution is found to the incessant cases of insecurity in the area.
“The Commissioner of Police has been mandated to draw up logistic requirements for mounting six additional checkpoints at strategic locations across Umunneochi LGA.
“All cows and herders around Umunneochi Local Council are, hereby, restricted to the Cattle Market located at Umuchieze, until a final decision is reached concerning the menace in the Cattle Market.”
Recall that Vigil360 reported that on 29th May 2022, the Prelate of Methodist Church, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu-Uche and two other clerics were kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, in Umunneochi LGA of Abia state. The kidnappers demanded N100 million as ransom shortly after the incident. They were released few days after the abduction.
