Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, has expressed concern over the growing activities of metal thieves targeting government infrastructure. According to Ekeoma, these criminals have vandalized and looted several public properties, causing significant damage and posing a threat to public safety......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Among the affected sites is the Mission Hill Urban School, where roofing sheets and iron windows were stolen by scavengers, commonly referred to as “Ndi Akpakara.” Additionally, manhole covers on the newly constructed Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard at Mission Hill in Umuahia were removed and stolen during the night by thieves seeking to profit from selling metal.
Ekeoma highlighted the dangerous consequences of such thefts, noting that in the past, pedestrians have fallen into uncovered gutters, sustaining injuries or even losing their lives. The stolen manhole covers, made from rods, were meant to protect residents, but their removal has left hazardous gaps.
“The current government is working tirelessly to rebuild our public schools and equip them with essential materials. We will not allow these criminal elements, driven by greed, to sabotage the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and make public schools safe learning environments,” Ekeoma stated.
He further warned that the state government has plans to track down both the thieves and those who collaborate with or buy from them. Ekeoma urged the public to report any instances of vandalism or theft of government property to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.