The people of kidnap prone areas of Umunneochi in Abia State, South East Nigeria have received assurances of their safety by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The Nkwoagu, Leru, Lomara, Nneato axis have remained a hot bed of kidnapping of high profile persons and students of the Abia State University, Uturu.
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The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Samuel Kanu-Uche and other top church officials travelling with him were the latest victims, for which a 100 million Naira ransom was allegedly paid to secure their release.
These had sparked public out cry with youths of the area taking to the streets of the community to register their anger.
At a meeting with the leaders of the communities, Governor Ikpeazu gave his words that the State government would stamp out all forms of criminality in the area.
He is worried that the high level of insecurity along the Umunneochi axis of the State had become a source of embarrassment to government.
The Governor who restated the laws on ban of open grazing were still in force in the State, directed the stakeholders of Umunneochi Local Government Area to articulate various flashpoints in the areas.
Governor Ikpeazu was on a fact finding mission to the affected areas and had on arrival at Umunneochi, visited the spot where the Methodist Prelate was kidnapped.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
