Otti confirms kidnap attempts in Abia

Governor Alex Otti has confirmed two separate kidnap attempts in Olokoro and Ubakala, both in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, assuring residents that the situation is under control.

Speaking during the February media chat with journalists in Umuahia on Friday, Otti said he had received a briefing from the Commissioner of Police on the incidents, which he described as isolated.

“I am aware of those incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them,” he said. “They are isolated incidents but they happened all the same. We need to put procedures in place to ensure they do not repeat.”

The incidents reportedly occurred last week and involved individuals suspected to be cattle herders. They fled the scene after operatives of the Abia State Homeland Security intervened.

The governor also addressed developments in other sectors, including the reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel. He disclosed that the Abia State Government owns 80 per cent of the hotel, while the remaining 20 per cent belongs to families of members of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) who previously invested in the facility.

Otti said the government does not intend to retain its majority stake indefinitely and is open to investors. He confirmed that Radisson Blu has been engaged as the hotel’s international brand and management partner, noting that the facility must meet five-star standards before full operations commence.

“They are lending their brand and management expertise, while the ownership remains with the state or any prospective investor,” he said.

On environmental concerns, the governor revealed that the state has a comprehensive plan to dredge the Aba River and restore its proper flow. He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and untreated industrial waste into the river, describing such practices as irresponsible and punishable under the law.

He added that the government plans to develop a leisure and entertainment centre around the river as part of urban renewal efforts.

Regarding the controversial airport project initiated by the previous administration, Otti said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating funds linked to the project.

“The EFCC has been inviting people whose money somehow got into their accounts. We are still on it, and at the appropriate time, we will get our money back,” he stated.