The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has called for Inter-state collaboration with the neighboring states of Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi in securing the Nkwoagu – Leru axis of Umunneochi Local Government Area, along the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway, to stamp out the activities of criminal elements.
The call is coming on the heels of various criminal activities going on in the area, as well as the recent kidnap and release of the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu Uche, the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt Rev Okechukwu Michael and the Prelate’s Chaplain.
In a press release made available to newsmen, by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Governor Ikpeazu
stated that the location of the area around the state’s borders with Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states had become a hotspot for criminal elements, who can easily enter the state and also escape through any of these routes.
He assured that security would be beefed up around the Isuikwuato – Umunneochi axis of the state, where there have been a spike in the activities of criminals in recent times.
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The Governor expressed delight at the release of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Uche and two others from kidnappers’ captivity.
Governor Ikpeazu attributed the release of the eminent men of God within 24 hours of their abduction to the grace of God, the fervent prayers of the Christian Community and the well coordinated response from security agencies in Abia state.
Recall, that the Prelate of Methodist Church, His Eminence Samuel Kanu Uche, the Bishop of Methodist Church, Owerri Diocese and the Prelate’s chaplain, were kidnapped along the Ihube, Leru and Lomara axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Prelate and other men of God were kidnapped on Sunday on their way to Enugu to board a flight.
