Security operatives have discovered seventy (70) lifeless bodies during its raid around Lokpanta Cattle Market at Umunneochi axis along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway in Abia state. This was disclosed by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti during the second edition of his monthly media chat in Umuahia the state capital.
Otti stated that, 20 decomposing bodies and skeletons were discovered at Lokpanta Cattle Market at Umunneochi and 50 more bodies were also found around the market, while the payment of ransom to suspected kidnappers was equally traced to the market.
The governor promised that his administration is committed to protect the lives of every citizen and visitor to the state.
Otti added, “We have taken a stand to provide adequate security to Abia citizens and visitors because no government can succeed in the face of insecurity. This government will not get involved in supporting criminals or allow them to occupy any part of the state”.
“When we decided to occupy the Lokpanta cattle market in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state, we discovered 50 dead bodies, 20 headless dead bodies, men, women and children and uncountable skeletons. We also discovered that ransoms paid to kidnappers were usually dropped close to the market.”
“But it was unfortunate that some people misinterpreted our action to mean that we asked the Northerners trading in the market to leave the state, but after our interactions with leaders of the Northern community, we told them that anyone who is not in support of the moves we are making to secure the state must be a criminal, they saw reasons with us and quickly reversed the quit notice they issued to Igbos in the North”.
“That’s why we have decided to make the market a daily market, people can go to the market and do their business and go home at the end of the day. The market will not be only a cattle market again, but it will have other sections for other goods like every other market”.
“Those who live inside the market will now live among other people in the state outside the market”.