Abia Governor Alex Otti confirms two kidnap attempts in Umuahia South, assures security measures, and discusses hotel reconstruction and Aba River redevelopment plans

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has confirmed two separate kidnap attempts in Olokoro and Ubakala, both in Umuahia South Local Government Area, reportedly carried out by men suspected to be cattle herders.

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Speaking during the February media chat in Umuahia on Friday, Otti assured residents that the police and Homeland Security operatives are actively managing the situation.

“I am aware of those incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them… these are isolated incidents, but we have measures in place to ensure they do not happen again,” he said.

The incidents occurred last week, with the suspected perpetrators fleeing after intervention by Abia State Homeland Security operatives.

Governor Otti also addressed the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, which the state government owns 80 per cent of, with the remaining 20 per cent held by members of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).

He emphasised that the hotel would be managed by Radisson Blu, noting that the international hotel managers had committed to minimum standards and management protocols before lending their brand.

Otti further discussed plans for the Aba River, which has suffered from illegal waste dumping. The governor confirmed a comprehensive plan to dredge the river and improve water flow, alongside proposals for a leisure and entertainment centre.

He warned companies against discharging waste into the river, highlighting legal consequences for violators.

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On the issue of the alleged airport project by the previous administration, Otti said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating financial irregularities, and the government expects to recover misappropriated funds in due course.