Abia State Governor Alex Otti said Friday that two separate kidnap attempts in Olokoro and Ubakala, both in Umuahia South Local Government Area, were under control and being investigated by the police.
Speaking during a February media briefing in Umuahia, Otti said the incidents involved men suspected to be cattle herders who fled after intervention by the Abia State Homeland Security.
“I am aware of those incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them,” Otti said. “They are isolated incidents, but we have put procedures and measures in place to ensure they do not happen again.”
The governor also provided updates on key state projects, including the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, which is owned 80% by the Abia State Government and 20% by members of the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
Otti said the hotel is being managed by Radisson Blu under an international management agreement. “The hotel must meet minimum five-star standards, and they must have faith in the economy and its management before signing the agreement, which they did last year,” he said.
He also addressed environmental concerns along the Aba River, where residents have been dumping refuse. Otti said the state plans to dredge the river, improve its flow, establish a leisure and entertainment center, and enforce penalties on companies that discharge untreated waste.
On a separate issue, Otti commented on a previous administration’s airport project, saying authorities including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are investigating and recovering funds that were improperly credited to private accounts.
“I am sure that at the appropriate time, we will get our money back,” he said.
