The Abia State Government, yesterday, said it has uncovered a plot by some people to smuggle 50 suspected kidnappers out of the country.

Kingsley Emeruwa, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at the government house, said the state government has reported the case to the inspector general of police. According to him, a member of the group, who he said is a relative of the former personal assistant to the impeached Deputy Governor, Chris Akomas, impersonated the substantive Deputy Governor, Eric Nwakanma, to ask for a waiver from the South African Embassy for entry visas for 50 persons who they claimed were to undergo training on project management and window server. The state government’s spokesperson said a letter from the South African embassy to the government asking for confirmation drew attention to the scam.

Reduced crime rate

Mr Emerua, who also said kidnapping in the state has reduced following the invitation of soldiers to the state, said the state Governor, Theodore Orji, has banned any form of reception party by any group for the soldiers. He also said the governor has requested that nobody should place any advertorial for him on his birthday, but instead donate the money that would have been used for such venture to charity.

The Special Adviser to the governor on security matters, Awa Agwu, denied media reports that between 12 and 15 persons were kidnapped in Aba last week. According to him, kidnapping in the state has dropped to the barest minimum. Mr Agwu said political opponents of the government are using the press to write things that are not factual, and urged journalists to crosscheck their facts before publication. “The prevalence of crime in Abia is below 15% and we commend the Army for a job well done in the fight against kidnapping,” he said

If kidnapping has reduced im Abia the army shld be sent to akwa ibom