GOV OTTI DECLARES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CRIME AS INSECURITY WORSENS IN ABIA NORTH

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has issued a firm warning to criminals and criminal elements operating in parts of the state, especially Umunneochi and Isuikwuato LGAs, declaring that his administration will not tolerate insecurity in any form.

The Governor made this declaration on Thursday during his monthly media parley titled “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians” held at the Government House, Umuahia.

“We have zero tolerance for criminality. Our government will not allow kidnappings, armed robbery, or any form of violence to thrive in Abia,” the Governor affirmed.

The Governor’s comment follows a recent wave of attacks in the region, including an assault on a serving commissioner by unknown gunmen along the Umunneochi Road.

Heightened Security Measures in Affected Areas

Governor Otti stated that security agencies have been mobilized to contain the threats, and that responsive, community-based security strategies are being reactivated to restore peace and public confidence.

He reassured residents of the state’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that security remains a top priority for his administration.

Healthcare: 200 Primary Centres Upgraded, More Underway

On healthcare delivery, Governor Otti reported significant progress in the ongoing overhaul of primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state.

“Out of the 200 Primary Health Centres undergoing renovation and retrofitting, many have been completed and commissioned,” he said.

He added that General Hospitals in Okeikpe, Umunneochi, Arochukwu, and Okpuala Ngwa are also undergoing upgrades as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

Governor Otti noted that although Abia has 948 primary healthcare centres, those not covered in the current phase will be included in subsequent projects, with a goal of upgrading at least one centre per political ward.

He also revealed that Phase Two of renovation works at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, has begun — complete with state-of-the-art equipment.

Abia Medical City: Groundwork Completed

Providing updates on the proposed Abia Medical City, Governor Otti disclosed that preliminary infrastructure — including access roads and street lighting — has been completed.

The project launch, he said, will be announced soon.

Education: 5,394 New Teachers Recruited, More to Come

In the education sector, Governor Otti announced that 5,394 newly recruited teachers are currently undergoing orientation and will soon be deployed across schools in the state.

He added that plans are underway to recruit an additional 4,000 teachers, raising the total number of new hires to over 9,000 to meet manpower demands.

Public Library System Set for Overhaul

Addressing the deteriorating condition of public libraries in Abia, the Governor announced the formation of a Library Board to oversee the revival of the state’s library system.

He said the new plan will ensure that modern libraries are established in all 17 Local Government Areas, to promote literacy and learning across the state.