DSS report: Okorocha, Ikpeazu meet in Abia

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, on Monday, met in Umuahia to condemn the activities of kidnappers in the two states.

This was sequel to the recent release by the Department of State Security (DSS), claiming that some Fulani herdsmen were killed and buried in shallow graves in some locations in Abia State by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

However, the two governors, who addressed the press after the joint meeting of the Security Councils of the two states, condemned the activities of kidnappers in a bush that transcends Imo state and Abia State where two bodies of Igbo people and five others suspected to be northerners were discovered.

Gov. Ikpeazu said kidnapping has become a recurring decimal in the area and that the two governors would do all they can to nip crime in the bud, assuring that the two States would rid the bush of criminals and make it not to be safe haven between Imo and Abia for criminals.

He said securities in the two States shall be mandated to cross the borders and to hunt down criminals, stating that it is their responsibilities to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians in the zone, assuring also that the joint meeting will be sustained.

Gov. Okorocha said he was with his security council to see how to liaise with his Abia counterpart to flush out criminals from the zone.

He disclosed that the kidnappers have been arrested and undergoing interrogation and “will pay the ultimate prize for their action” adding also to let the world understand that it is a clear case of kidnapping that we have long been battling with and has nothing to do with ethnicity or any ethnic group.”

He charged traditional rulers to take charge of their areas and volunteer information to the governments for their action.

The Imo governor stated that the Imo/Abia borders are weak, hence the formation of a joint patrol to monitor the area for criminals and cult activities and also to purchase equipments to help flush out criminals from the borders, as well as evoke traditional laws of demolishing properties of suspects.

After the address by the governors, the press was not allowed the opportunity to ask pertinent questions as regards when the victims were reported missing, when the discovery and exhumation was done and how the victims’ identities were arrived at.

The two governors disclosed that the said bush will be destroyed.