Government of Abia State, on Monday, urges people of the state to go about their normal businesses and every other day without any fear or intimidation, as the state government has mobilized enough security agencies to provide security for law abiding citizens as well as residents.

Subsequently, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB had declared that sit-at-home must be observed in the Southeast every Monday in solidarity with its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The order was observed last week Monday, leading to the death of some residents of the region as security operatives clashed with hoodlums.

Following pressure from top government officials and individuals, IPOB, on Friday, cancelled the order, stating that it will only be observed when Kanu is appearing in the court.

Allaying fear of attacks on Monday, (today) the Abia state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, during an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Umuahia assured that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has fully deployed all the state’s security architecture to ensure the protection of the people and maintaining the status of the state as the most peaceful and one of the most secure in the country.

He called on citizens to continue to report unusual movements and suspected criminal elements to law enforcement agencies for necessary action.

Chief Okiyi also called on managers of hotels and hospitality facilities, keke and other commercial transport operators in the State to monitor and report unusual observations to the government and security agents to enable necessary actions be taken promptly, assuring that the government was working with law enforcement agents to bring criminal cultists operating in identified areas of the commercial city of Aba to justice as quickly as possible.

Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News / August 16, 2021