Abia police embark on massive arrests over murdered officers

…Ikpeazu appeals for calm 

There have been growing concerns over the mass arrests of citizens around the Ndiegoro area of Aba by officers of the Abia State Police Command, as a result of the alleged killing of some policemen around the area. 

These arrests were following the killing of a police Inspector last Wednesday by gunmen in the area, where two of the gunmen were also neutralised. 

According to Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, he “condemns in its totality, any act of hostility against any security agent anywhere in the state, let alone the killing of a police officer under any guise whatsoever. 

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“The peace and security we all enjoy here and which has set Abia State apart as an oasis of peace is largely attributable to the gallantry and commitment of the officers of the different security agencies in the state.

“It is therefore preposterous and unacceptable that the same officers who strive day and night for our safety will receive any form of hostility from the citizens.”

The Governor, Ememanka said, “assures that government will work with the police in the state to fish out the perpetrators of that heinous act and ensure that they face the law as appropriate.”

Ikpeazu further assured the citizens in the area that his administration is already in talks with all the service commanders of the different security agencies in the State with a view to bringing the situation under control, and ensuring that peace and tranquillity return to the area, adding “Innocent citizens must be protected at all costs. That is the position of the law.”

Ikpeazu urged all to remain calm and go about their businesses without fear, let nor hindrance. 

When contacted, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said that he was not aware of any government statement on arrests, stating “Somebody who loses a thing will be looking for it.”

“All I know is that they are raiding perceived black spots in the area.”