Abia State government have reacted to the reports of yet another kidnapping and killing of a motorist by suspected Fulani herdsmen along ABSU-Uturu-Okigwe axis.
A shuttle bus was attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen along Uturu-Okigwe Road, close to the Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. A motorist was also, reportedly shot dead in the attack.
This is happening two days after seven students of the Abia State University were kidnapped along the same route.
According to a source, the latest kidnap happened around 5pm on Tuesday.
Reacting over the incident, Abia government through the commissioner for information and strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, confirmed that governor Okezie Ikpeazu has briefed on the recent incident.
He, however stressed that the relevant security agents are on top of the situation.
Part of the statement reads: “Abia State Government has been informed of yet another incident of senseless kidnapping and unfortunate death of innocent citizens especially students around the ABSU – UTURU- OKIGWE axis and Umunneochi – Ihube Area occasioned by the criminal activities of mindless terrorists.
“We, as a Government, are saddened by this ugly development around our Boundaries with Imo State and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that normalcy is quickly restored.
“However, we may not for operational reasons be able to go into further details at this time so as to safeguard the processes already put in place by our hardworking Security Agencies and Government Authorities.
Meanwhile, a student, who was earlier kidnapped and escaped on May 5, said the road was becoming a hideout for hoodlums.
“They also kidnapped my brother, a final-year student of ABSU, on his way going back to school. This latest incident happened along Uturu-Okigwe Road,” he added while pleading not to be identified.
Another student, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to ThePunch, said, “I was in my car with four other students coming behind an ABSU associate professor driving with four other students in his car.
“Before Ihube Junction, the professor slowed down because of the bad road.
“On trying to overtake him to lead, two herdsmen came out of the bush fully armed with cutlasses and guns.
“They started shooting and I managed to drive my car and escaped. Unfortunately, the professor tried to reverse and that was how they attacked them. While one person escaped, the associate professor and the three other students.
