Why We Demolished Brothels, Shanties At Regional Cattle Market - Abia Govt

The youths of Umunneochi had two weeks ago threatened to demolish the shanties, alluding that it was used to perpetuate kidnapping and drug trafficking which the government has given as the reason for the demolition.

According to the youth leader in the council, Prince Uche, the presence of the regional cattle market in their locality has ruined the future of youths as some of them have been corrupted by criminals haboured in the brothels.

The youths also vowed that government must relocate the entire cattle market which according to them, provides habour for criminal Fulani herders behind the incessant cases of kidnapping for ransom around the area.

The cattle market was brought to Lokpanta by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu while he was the Governor of Abia State.

Paramount Traditional Ruler of Isuochi, HRM, Eze Godson Ezekwesiri (Ochi 1 of Isuochi), had also in an interview with Vanguard, insisted that the regional cattle market must be relocated from Umunneochi Council.

"We don't want the cattle market. It's of no use to us. Kidnappers and criminals terrorising our people hide inside the cattle market.ÔÇØ

Meanwhile, Commissioner for Homeland Security, Sopuruchi Bekee, in a statement, Monday, explained that the demolition was carried out by the state government as part of the on-going measures to contain insecurity in the area.

"Our attention has been drawn to videos circulating on social media purporting to be demolished "Igbo quartersÔÇØ at Lokpanta Cattle Market and we wish to state that the demolished areas are shanties and brothels where criminal elements hide and from where they attack unsuspecting citizens.We recently arrested a kidnapper who is a member of the gang terrorizing travellers around the areaÔÇØ.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the demolition was carried out by security agents and representatives of the government of Abia State based on verified information that criminals are using the place as launching pad to attack and kidnap citizens.

"Our ongoing security operations within that axis are aimed at rooting out criminal elements and no stone will be left unturned until our aim is achieved.

"We appreciate the support of citizens and residents of the area who are providing needed information and wish to assure that in no time, we will totally dominate the area to ensure security of lives and property.ÔÇØ