Governor Otti Urges Nigerian Army To End Harassment At Checkpoints In Abia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called on the Nigerian Army to end the reported harassment and humiliation of travellers at military checkpoints across the state. This comes amid allegations that travellers are often forced to disembark from vehicles, cross checkpoints on foot, and sometimes raise their hands, while trucks conveying traders are allowed to pass unchallenged.
Following Monday’s State Executive Council meeting held at the governor’s Nvosi country home, Security Adviser McDonald Ubah revealed that Governor Otti has instructed security agents to cease such degrading practices.
“No Abian should be subjected to raising their hands or disembarking from vehicles while crossing military checkpoints,” Ubah stated. He assured residents that measures would soon be implemented to correct these practices, emphasizing that such treatment undermines trust between civilians and security forces.
Ongoing Security Challenges and Measures
The recent focus on military checkpoints follows heightened security concerns, including the killing of three soldiers at a checkpoint last week. In response, the military has relocated the affected checkpoint to a more strategic location near a river to curb escalating crimes such as kidnappings.
Ubah explained that the checkpoint was reintroduced due to public demand after a surge in criminal activities, particularly kidnappings. “Criminals used to kidnap people and escape to the Imo State side without resistance. The people who once complained about the checkpoint requested its return because of the unbearable insecurity,” he stated.
The new checkpoint placement eliminates alternative routes used by criminals, providing soldiers with better visibility to ensure safety.
Support for Soldiers and Civil-Military Relations
Governor Otti has also addressed allegations that soldiers forced civilians to fill sandbags for their defense. Ubah clarified that the governor has provided concrete barriers to ensure military protection and eliminate the need for such practices.
To build confidence among residents, the Nigerian Army has introduced a three-digit emergency hotline for quick response to security concerns. Ubah reiterated that soldiers are deployed for the safety of residents, adding, “Only individuals with questionable intentions should be worried about the soldiers’ activities.”
Regional Collaboration for Security
In a recent meeting involving the Minister of Defense and security advisers from the five southeastern states, Governor Otti advocated for a collaborative approach to addressing regional security challenges.
Regarding the closure of a market across a river near the checkpoint, Ubah noted that it falls under Imo State’s jurisdiction. However, efforts are underway to foster inter-state collaboration to reopen the market and maintain peace in the region.
The governor emphasized that security measures should not come at the expense of residents’ dignity and pledged to ensure that checkpoints function without subjecting citizens to dehumanizing practices.
