Gov Ikpeazu
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has condemned yesterday’s illegal killing of a butcher by a soldier in the Aba.
In a statement released today by his Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Adindu, Ikpeazu said that the killer-soldier has been arrested and taken into custody, from where he will face the full weight of the law.
“Our dear brothers and sisters, it is with heavy hearts that the state government received reports of the unfortunate incident at Aba abattoir today (Thursday). Initial information made available to us indicate that the violence was sparked off by a soldier who killed a meat-seller at the popular waterside abattoir located at the Ogbohill area of Aba. “We condemn the dastardly act that led to the untimely death of our brother, father and bread winner of his family. Our hearts and prayers are with his family and friends in this moment of pains and loss, even as we also commiserate with the traders at the market and others who were affected by the ensuing crisis,” the statement read.
“The soldier who allegedly perpetrated this act has been arrested and taken into custody. He will surely face the full weight of the law.”
The statement further called on Abians to remain calm, saying that the government is doing all to guarantee their safety.
The governor also directed “the men of the Abia State Vigilante Services (AVS) to commence, with immediate effect, a two week intensive training, for onward deployment to our communities to assist in community policing under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police.
“All Traditional Rulers in the state have been directed to submit names of 10 able-bodied youths from their community to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from Tuesday 10th to Wednesday 11th May 2016. These youths will be enlisted into the Abia State Vigilante Services (AVS) to further boost community policing in the state. “Law enforcement agencies have been mandated to search and monitor all trucks and vehicles conveying livestocks, food items and persons into the state from any part of the country with a view to preventing inter-state movement of arms and terrorists. The law enforcement agencies will also search and monitor markets and settlements where livestocks and dealers are located, to ensure security.”
Ikpeazu also approved the constitution of a Farmers/Herdsmen Conflict Resolution Committee. The Commissioner of Police will head the committee at the state level. Other members of the committee are: The Brigade Commander, State Director of DSS, State Commandant of the NSCDC, the Naval Commander, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Myati Allah cattle dealers representative and Sarikin Hausawa.
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