The Abia State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the resurgence of kidnapping and other security threats in parts of the state, urging security agencies, local government authorities, traditional rulers and community leaders to strengthen efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
The lawmakers raised the concern during plenary on Tuesday, following matters of urgent public importance brought before the House by the Deputy Speaker and member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Austin Mmeregini.
Moving the motion on security, Mmeregini said that despite significant investments made by the administration of Governor Otti in strengthening the state’s security architecture through the provision of logistics, Operation Crush and enhanced collaboration among security agencies, recent reports of kidnapping in parts of the state had become a source of concern.
He cited the abduction of Mr. Dennis and Mrs. Onyinyechi Ekechukwu in Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North Local Government Area, as well as the reported kidnapping of Mr. Onyebuchi Sunday of Old Umuahia.
According to him, while the incidents may appear isolated, they underscore the need for greater vigilance, improved intelligence gathering and stronger community participation in security matters.
“Abia has remained one of the safest states in the country due to deliberate investments by the government in security infrastructure and operations. However, recent incidents of kidnapping and other criminal activities call for renewed vigilance and stronger community participation.
“Security is the responsibility of the government, but communities, youths, traditional institutions and residents also have crucial roles to play in intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker urged the Abia State Homeland Security Department and other security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the state.
He also called on the mayors of the 17 local government areas to reactivate community development councils and grassroots security structures to improve information sharing and security coordination.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Adiele, lamented the increasing incidents of violent crimes in some communities and urged local government authorities to take their security responsibilities more seriously.
“The governor has done his part by providing support and resources for security agencies, but the mayors must also rise to the occasion. They receive security allocations and should ensure that local vigilante groups are active and effective.
“We must not wait until the situation deteriorates before taking action. Security is everybody’s business,” Adiele said.
Also speaking, the member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, Hon. Anderson Akaliro, emphasized the need for residents to take ownership of security efforts within their communities.
“We cannot allow criminal elements to occupy our forests and bushes while we remain passive. Communities must work together to flush out criminal hideouts and support security agencies with credible information,” he said.
The member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba, called on the state government to deploy modern technology in combating insecurity.
“I urge the government to consider the acquisition of surveillance drones to monitor forests and remote areas. Technology has become a vital tool in modern security management,” he stated.
The House also considered a separate matter of urgent public importance regarding the recent fire outbreak at Akagor Fuel Station in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Presenting the matter, Hon. Anderson Akaliro, a member representing Umuahia North State Constituency, disclosed that a petroleum tanker discharging fuel at the station suddenly caught fire, resulting in an inferno that threatened lives and property in the area.
He commended the Abia State Fire Service for its prompt intervention, which prevented what could have resulted in extensive destruction.
“The prompt intervention of the fire service saved lives and prevented extensive damage. However, the incident exposed the absence of a functional fire service outstation in Ohuhu and the need to address that gap urgently,” Akaliro said.
He called on the state government to establish a fire service outstation in the area and provide adequate firefighting equipment, emergency vehicles and personnel to improve emergency response times.
Supporting the proposal, lawmakers noted that a fire service facility in Ohuhu would not only serve Umuahia North but also neighbouring communities and help reduce response time during emergencies.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, acknowledged the growing security concerns and the need to strengthen emergency response mechanisms across the state.
“Without security, everything we are doing will be meaningless. Investors will not come, businesses will not thrive and development will be affected. We must continue to support every effort aimed at keeping Abia safe,” Emeruwa said.
On the issue of fire safety, the Speaker noted that while the establishment of additional fire stations remains important, the government could immediately strengthen existing facilities by providing more firefighting equipment and operational vehicles.
“If two fire trucks had arrived at the scene at the same time, the incident would have been contained much faster. The government should consider equipping existing stations while plans for additional outstations are being pursued,” he added.
The House subsequently resolved to urge relevant security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering, while also encouraging local government councils, traditional rulers, town unions and community leaders to strengthen grassroots security structures.
Lawmakers further called on the state government to enhance firefighting capacity across the state and consider the establishment of additional fire service outstations in strategic locations to improve emergency response and protect lives and property.
Acting on behalf of the Majority Leader, Hon. Anthony Abiola, member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, moved motions for the first reading of the Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Abia State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Abia State Restorative Justice Bill, 2026.
Also, the House received and adopted as a working document the report of its Committee of Trade and Commerce on the Abia State Market Safety and Protection Bill.
Presenting the report on behalf of the committee chairman, the member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, Hon. Kalu Mba, said the proposed legislation seeks to strengthen safety standards in markets across the state through improved fire prevention measures, emergency response systems, market regulation and enhanced security mechanisms.
Following the adoption of the committee’s report, the House committed the bill for further legislative consideration.
