The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti revealed on Sunday night, 29 October 2023 in Umuahia that the government discovered more than 50 decomposing bodies and 20 headless bodies around Lokpanta Regional Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

He expressed deep regret that the market vicinity had become a den for criminals and vowed to eject all residents out of the market.

Mr Alex further disclosed that the bodies were found when the State Government raided Umunneochi Axis after tracing ransoms paid to suspected kidnappers few weeks ago.

During the raid, we made shocking discoveries. “In less than 48 hours, we recovered over 50 dead bodies around the cattle market in Umunneochi. We recovered over 20 decomposing headless bodies; men, women, children. We recovered so many skeletons of people killed,” he said.

“We also discovered that gunrunning, prostitution, and so many things were happening in the market.” He added.

“So, we realised that the first thing to be done is to secure the market. We went in and brought down many brothels. And we felt that the market, just like any other market, should be a day market which starts in the morning and closes in the evening,” the governor stated.

The governor said that his administration had introduced technology in the fight against insecurity in the state. He vowed to sustain the fight against criminals until total peace and security were restored.

“We also feel that those people hibernating in the market should go and live in the communities. We want to have a peaceful Christmas around Umunneochi and other parts of the state.

“Anybody not supporting this move must be a criminal, and there is no place for criminals anymore in Abia,” he further added.

Alex said that the fight against insecurity would not distract his administration from its development agenda, noting that the ongoing infrastructural development is on course.

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He explained that apart from the number of road projects already awarded and delivered, more road projects would be awarded in the weeks ahead. Alex said that three designs had already been received on the Nunya/Isuikwuato road, assuring that very soon the contract will be awarded.

He also said that the contract for the rehabilitation of Ohafia/Abam/Okobo/Arochukwu road, had been awarded.

The governor regretted that previous administrations awarded the same project but failed to execute. He promised that very soon, the age-long jinx that ‘no road to Arochukwu is easy’ would be broken.