Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on the Nigerian Army to put an end to alleged cases of harassment and humiliation of travelers at military checkpoints across the state.
Reports indicated that travelers are often forced to disembark from their vehicles and walk through checkpoints, sometimes with their hands raised, while trucks carrying traders are allowed to pass without such treatment.
Speaking on the issue after a State Executive Council meeting held at the governor’s country home in Nvosi, the Governor’s Security Adviser, McDonald Ubah, disclosed that Otti has directed security agents to cease such demeaning practices.
“Soon, there will be a regulation correcting that,” Ubah announced, stressing that no resident of Abia should endure degrading treatment at checkpoints.
Highlighting the governor’s stance, he added, “You don’t ask people to come down from their vehicles, raise their hands up, and cross, and tomorrow, you want them to come and give you information.”
Ubah reassured residents of the Army’s dedication to ensuring their safety, referencing the ongoing “Operation Udoka,” which he described as a security exercise aimed at protecting lives and property.
He also addressed the recent relocation of a military checkpoint, initially set up to combat increasing criminal activities in the area, including kidnappings.
The decision to move the checkpoint followed an attack that left three soldiers dead last week.
“The soldiers had to come because of the level of crime that has been taking place around that axis. Criminals had a field day. They would kidnap people and cross over to the Imo State side without being stopped,” Ubah explained.
He added that complaints from residents about insecurity prompted the governor to reinstate the checkpoint but relocate it to a more strategic position near the river to block all escape routes used by criminals.
“For whatever reason, they have been unsuccessful because of that checkpoint there,” Ubah stated.
To address concerns over harassment, Ubah reiterated Governor Otti’s instructions, “No Abian should be subjected to raising their hands while crossing military checkpoints. Going forward, people will not see it again.”
He also revealed that the issue was discussed during a recent meeting with the Minister of Defense and security advisers from the five eastern states.
Regarding the market across the river, which was closed by the Army following the attack, Ubah clarified that the Abia State government has no jurisdiction over it.
“The soldiers viewed it that the hoodlums took off from that side of the divide and came to Abia and carried out that attack,” he explained.
While the road closed after the incident has been reopened, reopening the market falls under the responsibility of Imo State.
Ubah emphasized ongoing collaboration among South Eastern states to address security concerns.
Responding to allegations of civilians being forced to fill sandbags, Ubah highlighted that the governor had provided concrete barriers for the soldiers’ protection.
“The governor is against that and that is why he has gone out of his way to provide concrete barriers, and they are painted for protection for the soldiers,” he said.
To enhance public confidence, Ubah disclosed that the Nigerian Army has introduced a three-digit emergency line to ensure quick responses to distress calls.
“The soldiers are here for you and to ensure that you are safe. Only people with questionable intentions would be worried about the activities which the soldiers will stand against,” he stressed.
