Abia State Governor Alex Otti has attributed the recent surge of insecurity in the state to opposition politicians, with alleged backing from external sources.
This claim follows a wave of violence that has alarmed residents and officials, including fatal attacks on military and police personnel.
Previously, the Nigerian government had blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the unrest, although IPOB has consistently refuted any role in these incidents.
In a statement by Otti’s spokesperson, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the governor cleared IPOB of responsibility and alleged that opposition politicians within Abia are the ones fueling the violence.
According to Otti, these political opponents aim to sow discord and hinder his administration’s efforts toward state development.
He noted that the disturbances began in late May and have intensified, seemingly as part of a plan to derail his administration’s progress.
“Their only objective is to incite unrest and detract from our focus on state development,” Otti remarked.
Governor Otti further pledged that his administration would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt peace in Abia.
He announced a “counter-offensive” targeting criminal groups responsible for the instability.
“The government will not stand by and allow any person or group to inflict harm on innocent, peace-loving citizens of this state,” he asserted.