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Military checkpoints return in Abia

As the dust stirred by the presidential order directing the removal of military checkpoints across the country is  yet to settle, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has said military checkpoints would return to the state.

Ikpeazu said he had secured the approval of the military high command for the restoration of military roadblocks in the state.
A press statement released on Thursday in Umuahia by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Godwin Adindu, said the decision was to ensure kidnappers and other criminals did not take undue advantage of the exit of the military to resume their nefarious activities in the state.
Abia was, for the better parts of 2009 and 2011, besieged by kidnappers until they were flushed out by solders.

According to the statement, Ikpeazu had consulted with President Muhammadu Buhari, and the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu on the issue.

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It said  the military checkpoints would soon return in all designated points in the state, both in the villages and cities.
Ikpeazu, who frowned at  the incidents of insecurity witnessed in the state in the last couple of weeks, vowed to fight insecurity with vigour.
He said his administration had taken drastic measures to  curtail cases of insecurity and ensure total maintenance of law and order in the state.
Ikpeazu  re-emphasised that  security of lives and property, as well as maintenance of law and order were top priorities of his administration.
He warned criminal elements to steer clear from the shores of the state or the long arms of the law would catch up with them.
Ikpeazu assured workers of various construction firms involved in the massive construction works going on in Aba of their maximum security.