Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has acknowledged reports of two attempted kidnappings in Olokoro and Ubakala, both located in Umuahia South Local Government Area, assuring residents that security agencies have the matter firmly under control.
The governor made this known on Friday in Umuahia during his February interactive session with journalists. Responding to questions on the incidents, he said, “I am aware of those incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them.
“I actually got a report from the Commissioner of Police on the two incidents today. They are isolated incidents but they happened all the same.
“And because they happened, we need to put procedures and everything in place to ensure that they don’t repeat. But I can assure you that they are isolated and we have in place measures to ensure that those do not happen anymore.”
The incidents reportedly occurred last week and involved individuals suspected to be cattle herders. The suspects fled the scene following the intervention of operatives from the Abia State Homeland Security.
Beyond security matters, Governor Otti also highlighted developments across various sectors of the state’s economy. He clarified the ownership structure of the Enyimba Hotel, which was recently flagged off for reconstruction, stating that the Abia State Government holds a majority stake in the facility.
According to him, “Abia State Government owns 80 per cent. The balance of 20 per cent is owned by the families of ACCIMA — Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture — members who had invested in the hotel. By the time we valued everything, we got valuers and what they are entitled to is 20 per cent.
“Of course, the state government does not intend to continue to hold 80 per cent. So if you have money now, you can come and we will sell to you. They — Radisson Blu — are international hotel managers and you must put yourself in a particular way for them to agree to come and manage your hotel.
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“It was a good thing because we got them in before we did anything. So they came in with their expertise. The hotel must be in a particular state. It is a five-star hotel, so you must meet minimum standards for them. They must first of all see that the place can afford the hotel brand.
“They must also have faith in the economy and in the management of the economy before they will sign the dotted lines, which they signed, I think, last year. So they are going to lend out their brand, lend out their management, manage the place and we own the place — or any other investor.”
On environmental concerns, particularly the Aba River where waste disposal has become rampant, the governor outlined steps being taken to restore and protect the waterway.
“We actually do have a comprehensive plan for the Aba River. First of all, to dredge it and let it flow properly. I think it comes all the way from the Blue River. So when it is not flowing, that means you have that kind of problem. It is going to be dredged.
“We have also been working to set up a leisure and entertainment centre there. So we have good plans for that. We have also engaged with some of the companies that discharge their waste and we have made it an offence that is punishable. You must have a way to treat your waste. It is irresponsible to discharge your waste into a flowing river. Some people drink from it.”
Addressing questions on the controversial airport project initiated by the previous administration, the governor revealed that investigations were ongoing.
“The EFCC has been inviting people whose money somehow got into their accounts. So we are still on it. And I am sure that at the appropriate time, we will get our money back.”
