In a tragic incident that shook Aba, Abia State, two policemen lost their lives while providing security to the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, in the Samek area near the Ariaria International Market. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 25th July 2023, when gunmen ambushed and shot the policemen. As the news of the attack spread, an uproar of violence followed, leading to reprisal attacks by some police officers against innocent citizens, causing further destruction and chaos in the area.
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, was quick to respond to the heinous act, expressing his heartfelt condolences to the families of the slain officers. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Governor condemned the attack in the strongest terms, branding it as cruel, unjust, and highly provocative. He urged all well-meaning citizens to unite in condemning such acts of violence against security personnel who are committed to maintaining law and order in the state.
However, Governor Otti was also forthright in his condemnation of the reprisal attacks by some police officers against innocent citizens. He deemed such actions as lawless and counterproductive, emphasizing that the victims of these attacks had not been proven to have any involvement, directly or indirectly, in the ambush that led to the death of the two policemen. The Governor stressed that two wrongs can never make a right and called for restraint and adherence to due process.
Taking swift action to restore peace in the affected areas, Governor Otti directed the police to withdraw their officers, allowing the return of normalcy to the Ariaria market and its surroundings. He asserted that his government would do everything within its power to identify and bring the gunmen responsible for the policemen’s deaths to justice. Additionally, any police officer found guilty of brutalizing innocent citizens and causing property damage would face appropriate legal consequences.
Governor Alex Otti assured the public that credible intelligence had pointed to the possible source of the attack, prompting the security forces to initiate investigations and root out all forms of criminality in the state. He urged Abians to continue their legitimate businesses without fear, emphasizing that his administration’s top priority remains the welfare and security of all citizens.
Furthermore, the Governor pledged to provide adequate compensation to the families of the slain officers and innocent citizens who suffered from the brutal reprisal attacks and property destruction. The move aims to alleviate the pain and loss experienced by those affected and to demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens in times of tragedy.
As the investigation continues and efforts to restore peace gain momentum, Abia State residents are hopeful that justice will prevail, and the culprits will be brought to book. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and collaboration among security agencies and the public to combat criminal elements in the state.
Governor Alex Otti’s resolute stance on condemning violence, regardless of its perpetrators, sends a message of unity and hope for a safer, more peaceful Abia State.
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