The leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Youth Wing has called on the Abia State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies to urgently take measures to address permanently the rising cases of criminal activities along the Aba-Okigwe-Enugu road.
In recent times, the road has become a major flashpoint, experiencing various crimes such as kidnapping, killings, rape, and extortion.
A visit to the dual-carriage expressway revealed a thick bush growing between the two major lanes, making it practically impossible for travelers on both sides to see what is happening on either lane.
These bushes, according to some travelers, have become hideouts for criminals waiting to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.
Addressing the issue, the acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezukwu, expressed regret that the Aba-Okigwe-Enugu road has turned into a major flashpoint with numerous kidnappings and attacks.
He voiced concern that despite constant reports of criminal activities along the road, nothing has been done to address the situation.
“We are concerned that crime along this road has gone unabated. People are still being kidnapped and attacked.
Many cases have been reported, and it seems nothing is being done.
”Till today, even after the shocking discovery at the Lokpanta Cattle Market, more heinous crimes are still being perpetrated there.
”We have heard accounts of relatives of persons who were kidnapped, saying they were directed by the kidnappers to bring the ransom money to the same market.
”It raises the question: Why has nothing been done about this situation?” he queried.
Okpalaezeukwu called on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to take immediate action to arrest the situation and protect the lives of the state’s residents and travelers on the road.
According to him, the call is more imperative considering that Christmas is fast approaching, and many people will be coming home for the festivities.
“The security efforts should begin with the immediate cutting down and clearing of the thick bushes growing between the roads.
Also, constant patrols should be conducted along the road to ensure that any criminal activity is addressed immediately.
There is also a need to apply technologies such as aerial surveillance using drones to scan the entire area and identify the camps of these criminals so that they can be apprehended.
The government cannot continue to neglect this very urgent task while residents and travelers are kidnapped and attacked daily.
Any government that fails in the protection of lives and property has failed completely. Therefore, it should be a top priority for Governor Otti to address the insecurity along the area,” Okpalaezeukwu emphasized.
