Insecurity: Abia State Converts Cattle Market, Dismantles Brothels

In a decisive move to combat rising insecurity along the Lokpanta-Umunneochi-Uturu axis of Abia State, the Abia State Government (ABSG) has made significant changes to the area. The cattle market in Lokpanta, Umunneochi Local Government Area, has been transformed into a daily non-residential market. This bold initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb criminal activities and make the region safer for residents and travelers.

Addressing the media on Monday evening, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, the Security Adviser to the state governor, confirmed that ABSG has demolished a total of 160 brothel rooms within the market. These brothels were suspected of being used by kidnappers and other criminals in the vicinity.

Addressing concerns that traders, many of whom are not from the southeast, were being asked to leave the state, Uba clarified, “There is no truth in asking the community in Lokpanta to leave.”

The Lokpanta-Umunneochi-Uturu region has been grappling with a year-long siege of insecurity, prompting the state government to take action. Governor Alex Otti had previously launched ‘Operation Crush’ to tackle the kidnapping crisis. According to Uba, “All Intel points to the cattle market at Lokpanta” as a hotspot for criminal activity.

Kidnappers had been operating from this market, using it as a location for ransom payments. Traders even extended their operations into the median lane of the Okigwe-Enugu expressway, employing tactics to monitor commercial buses and orchestrate robberies. The state government intervened, dismantling this makeshift market on the expressway.

Three weeks ago, a deliberate operation was carried out, resulting in the demolition of over 160 brothels, multiple arrests, and the recovery of substantial sums of money. The state government’s intention is to restructure the market into a daily non-residential market, similar to markets in other parts of the country.

Governor Alex Otti issued a directive for all residents to vacate the area within seven days. However, Uba pointed out, “We went there on the 8th, and on the 10th, they (cattle dealers) came pleading that the time limit was short. Surprisingly and embarrassingly, they turned around to say they were driven out and sent packing.” He emphasized that most cattle dealers are second and third-generation Igbos and Hausas born in the state, raising questions about where they would be sent if asked to leave.

The state government’s objective is to ensure that the market operates from 6 am to 5 pm daily, enhancing security and fostering a conducive environment for investment and development. The move is a significant step towards making Abia State a safer place and a preferred destination for investment.

In the past, the high insecurity level in the area had been linked to the Lokpanta cattle market, where numerous road users were kidnapped and held for ransom. The cattle traders had expressed their concerns and, instead of waiting for the state government to provide an extension, threatened to petition national figures regarding their eviction.

This action underscores the commitment of the Abia State Government to create a secure and prosperous environment for its residents and those passing through the state.