Fake News Alert: Abia Government Dismisses Claim of Engaging ESN to Fight Crime

The Abia State Government has debunked a viral online report alleging that Governor Alex Otti approved the engagement of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to fight crime and protect farmers in the state.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the claim as "false, malicious and misleading,ÔÇØ insisting that it is a calculated attempt to cause fear, tension, and disaffection among residents of the state.

Ekeoma stated that the unfounded story, published by a faceless blogger, was not only recycled from an earlier false claim made weeks ago, but also a clear act of desperation by political enemies who are uncomfortable with the ongoing peace and development in Abia under Governor Alex Otti's leadership.

"For the records, the government of Abia State under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti could not have contemplated embracing the services of non-state actors to fight criminals and insecurity of any kind in any part of the state,ÔÇØ the statement read.

He affirmed that Governor Otti remains fully committed to law, order, and the constitutionally empowered security agencies of Nigeria. According to him, the state government's unwavering support for law enforcement led to the creation of the joint security task force codenamed "Operation CrushÔÇØ, which has recorded "tremendous successÔÇØ in clamping down on criminal elements across the state.

"The government's investment in 'Operation Crush' has made Abia one of the safest states in the country today,ÔÇØ Ekeoma emphasized, noting that while there may be isolated cases of robbery or kidnapping, the government is tackling them head-on.

Ekeoma warned those who are peddling fake news and inciting fear for political gains, stressing that such actions will not go unpunished. "Those who play dirty politics by inciting fear and violence against the state and its citizens... should know that their actions will attract severe consequences whenever they are caught,ÔÇØ he cautioned.

He urged Abia residents and Nigerians in general to disregard the falsehood and see it for what it is-a smear campaign by detractors bent on discrediting the state government.

https://youtu.be/m9K6kH1ZB0k