Governor Alex Otti has confirmed two separate kidnap attempts in Olokoro and Ubakala communities in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, assuring residents that security agencies have brought the situation under control.
Speaking during the February media chat with journalists in Umuahia on Friday, Otti said he had received a briefing from the state Commissioner of Police regarding the incidents. He described the attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected cattle herders, as isolated cases.
“I am aware of the incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them,” the governor stated. “They are isolated incidents, but since they occurred, we must put measures in place to ensure they do not happen again.”
The attempted abductions reportedly took place last week. The suspects fled the scene after operatives of the Abia State Homeland Security intervened.
Enyimba Hotel Ownership and Reconstruction
The governor also spoke on the ongoing reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, clarifying its ownership structure. According to him, the Abia State Government holds 80 per cent equity in the hotel, while the remaining 20 per cent belongs to families associated with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) who had previously invested in the facility.
Otti explained that the shares were determined after a valuation exercise conducted by professional valuers. He added that the state government is open to divesting part of its stake to interested investors.
He further disclosed that Radisson Blu has signed on to manage the hotel. The international hospitality brand, he noted, agreed to lend its expertise and brand name after assessing both the facility and the state’s economic prospects.
“It is a five-star hotel, so certain minimum standards must be met before they can manage it,” Otti said, adding that the management agreement was signed last year.
Plans for Aba River
On environmental concerns, the governor addressed the issue of waste disposal into the Aba River. He revealed that the state government has developed a comprehensive plan to dredge the river to restore its flow and improve sanitation.
Otti said the administration also plans to develop a leisure and entertainment centre along the river corridor. He warned companies against discharging untreated waste into the river, stressing that such acts are now punishable under state regulations.
“It is irresponsible to dump waste into a flowing river. Some people rely on it for water,” he said.
EFCC Probe into Alleged Airport Project
Commenting on the controversial airport project initiated by the previous administration, Otti disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been questioning individuals linked to financial transactions associated with the project.
“The EFCC has been inviting people whose money somehow got into their accounts. We are still pursuing the matter, and at the appropriate time, we will recover our funds,” he said.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, accountability, and infrastructural development across the state.
