At least 50 decomposing headless bodies, over 20 headless bodies and human skeletons were discovered by security operatives during a raid in the forest around Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi LGA of Abia state.
Gov. Alex Otti made the shocking revelation during the second edition of his monthly a media chat in Umuahia on Sunday night.
He vowed that there was no going back on the decision of the State Government to eject all residents out of the market, and convert it to a day market ”that closes in the evening and everybody goes home.”
He noted that anybody still opposed to Government’s efforts to sanitise the cattle market must be a criminal or an accomplice.
Otti said that his administration had introduced technology in the fight against insecurity in the state.
He said, “We have taken a stand to provide adequate security to Abia citizens and visitors because no government can succeed in the face of insecurity. This government will not get involved in supporting criminals or allow them to occupy any part of the state.
”We have installed electronic equipment to that tells us what is happening in every part of the state. A few weeks ago, we found that a lot of ransom that was paid for kidnapping ended up somewhere around Umunneochi, and we decided to raid the place. During the raid we made shocking discoveries.
”In less than 48 hours, we recovered over 50 dead bodies around the cattle market in Umunneochi. We recovered over 20 decomposing headless bodies – men, women, children! We recovered so much skeletons of people killed!
”We also discovered that gun running, prostitution and so many things were happening in the market. So, we realised that the first thing to be done is to secure the market. We went in and brought down many brothels, and we felt that the market, just like any other market, should be a day market which starts in the morning and closes in the evening.
“Those who live inside the market will now live among other people in the state outside the market”
”We have started fencing the market even though it will cost a lot of fortunes. We also want to make it a general market not just for cattle alone. There will be sections for provisions, food stuffs, electronics and others .
”We also feel that those people hibernating in the market should go and live in the communities. We want to have a peaceful Christmas where our people will come home and have peaceful movement both around Umunneochi and other parts of the state. Anybody not supporting this move must be a criminal, and there is no place for criminals anymore in Abia.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
