The Abia State government has urged the Hausa/Fulani community and Umuchieze clan to ensure security in and around the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi local government area of the state.
The deputy governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, made the call at a meeting with both parties in Umuahia, decrying the spate of insecurity in and around the market.
The security challenges include dealing on illicit drugs, hideout for criminals, farmers/herders clash, kidnapping, rape, killing, ravaging of farmland, abduction, and armed robbery.
Warning that the government would hold anyone suspected in the situation responsible irrespective of his or her status, he reminded them that no meaningful development can take place amidst insecurity.
Earlier in his address, the president general, Umuchieze Clan Development Union, Victor Ogbukwe, appealed for government’s urgent intervention on the situation, adding that the people had become uncomfortable with it.
He called for the inclusion of the clan in sharing of revenue generated from the market as their contribution to the development of the state.
Leader of the Hausa/Fulani community, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, assured that they were willing to join hands with their host community and the government in the fight against insecurity.
