Shocking Discovery: 80 Corpses, 20 Headless Bodies Unearthed at Abia Cattle Market, Says Governor Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, made a startling revelation during his monthly media parley at the Government House in Umuahia. In a bid to reinforce his government’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the state, Otti disclosed that approximately 80 corpses, including 20 headless bodies, were found within just 48 hours at the Umuchieze Cattle Market in the Umunneochi Local Government Area.

According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria, Governor Otti emphasized the government’s unwavering resolve to combat insecurity, with a special focus on ensuring a peaceful Yuletide season for the people of Abia. He pledged that his government would neither tolerate nor support any activities that foster instability in the state.

The governor went on to reveal that intelligence indicated that ransom payments for kidnapping victims frequently occurred near the Umuchieze Cattle Market in Lokpanta. To address this concern, electronic surveillance equipment was installed to monitor the situation across the state.

Otti stated, “A few weeks ago, we found that a lot of the ransom that was paid for kidnapping ended up somewhere around Umunneochi LGA. We decided to dominate the place, and what we saw was shocking. In less than 48 hours, we recovered over 80 dead bodies around the cattle market, and we recovered 20 headless bodies, decomposing bodies which include adults and children. We recovered uncountable skeletons of people who had been killed and left to decompose still around that axis.”

Furthermore, Governor Otti pointed out that various criminal activities, such as gunrunning, prostitution, drug sales, and substance abuse, were rampant in the cattle market. Investigations into the perpetrators of these acts are currently ongoing.

To address these issues, the state government has taken proactive measures. The market is being secured with a perimeter fence, and it is being transformed into a general market that operates from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. This change means that the market will no longer exclusively cater to cattle sales but will also offer a wide range of products.

Governor Otti clarified that the decision to transform the market into a general one was not aimed at displacing any specific community but to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents. He noted that initial misconceptions had led to unfounded concerns and a northern group’s issuance of a quit notice to Igbo residents living in the North. However, discussions with the organization led to a resolution, where the government’s intentions were made clear, ultimately diffusing the situation.

Otti emphasized that the government’s priority is to maintain peace and stability, particularly during the Yuletide season, to allow Abians to travel freely within the state. He reassured the public that Umunneochi is now a calm and safe area.