The Abia State Government has refuted reports circulating in the media that a young man was shot by operatives of its security outfit, Operation Crush, in Umuahia. According to the government, the incident was not a case of extrajudicial killing but rather the result of a cult-related attack.
This clarification was made during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, following the weekly State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that Operation Crush responded to a distress call from a concerned resident who reported an ongoing cult clash in the area. The tip-off alleged that a young man was being macheted by suspected cultists. Upon arrival, the operatives were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the attackers. One of the cultists reportedly sustained a gunshot wound and later died, while another was arrested and is cooperating with the police. The victim of the machete attack is currently receiving treatment.
“The operatives acted on credible intelligence, and their intervention likely saved a life,” Prince Kanu said.
World Bank-Assisted Road and Agro Projects Set to Begin
In the same briefing, the Information Commissioner announced that under the World Bank-funded Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), the Abia State Government is set to begin construction of 11 rural roads and 3 agro-logistics hubs. These projects will be spread across the state’s three senatorial districts and all 17 local government areas.
As part of the project’s funding requirements, the state has already committed ₦4.1 billion as counterpart funding.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to rural development, improved road access, and agricultural productivity, stating that these projects would significantly enhance market access and economic activities in Abia communities.
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