The Abia State Government says it has uncovered plans by a group of hoodlums to hide under the guise of protest to raze markets in the State.
This was made known in a release by the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, and made available to newsmen, on Friday.
The State Government disclosed that the hoodlums have formed themselves into large groups of 200 and advancing to target markets, particularly Ariaria International Market Aba, with the purpose of setting them ablaze.
The Government urged members of Market Management Committee and security agencies to be at alert to avert this proposed heinous crime.
Part of release stated, “Genuine protesters should not allow hoodlums to divert their attention. We cannot afford to record more loses, as so far, we have crossed the threshold of crimes against humanity, markets belongs to all and as it stands, they have used the faulks road divide to block Samek junction leading into Ariaria Market.”
In the same vein, Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has urged parents to encourage their children to stand down the End SARS protest for peace to reign.
Ikpeazu assured that whatever is our personal and collective grievances will certainly be resolved, urging all relevant authorities to find peaceful means of resolving the situation so as to douse the current state of apprehension that has gripped the nation.
The Governor gave the assurance during his statewide broadcast monitored by DAILY POST on Wednesday night.
Ikpeazu also said, “the curfew is a temporary measure meant to ensure the restoration of law and order in the state. We regret the inconveniences this will cause our citizens and residents and urge everyone not on essential duty to stay indoors for the duration.
“Law enforcement agents have been detailed to act decisively against anyone willfully disobeying the order. As is the custom, all essential service providers validly identified are exempted from the curfew.
“We have to do this to avoid losing control of the situation and allow forces outside the state to have reason to unleash death, sorrow and tears on our people”.
