Abia govt raises alarm over plot to trigger violence in Aba

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA— Abia State Government has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by some political actors to incite violence in Aba ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said intelligence reports indicate that “certain individuals are planning to sponsor miscreants from Aba and neighbouring states to stage a protest.”

The planned protest, reportedly tagged “Tinubu Dey Work, Otti Dey Chop,” is said to be aimed at promoting what the government described as a false narrative that the Federal Government funded projects executed by the state.

According to the statement, the narrative—allegedly pushed by opposition elements—is being escalated into a potentially violent protest designed to provoke a confrontation between hired agitators and the state’s task force in Aba.

The government warned that such a clash could result in casualties, reprisals, and a breakdown of law and order, with the ultimate aim of destabilising the state.

It recalled that it had previously clarified that the Federal Government had halted reimbursements for such projects, insisting that claims to the contrary were misleading.

While affirming its respect for dissent as a core democratic principle, the government cautioned that it would deal decisively with any individual or group found attempting to endanger lives under the guise of political opposition.

“The government has no issue with disagreement over its policies and programmes, but it will come hard on anyone who seeks to plunge the state into violence,” the statement said.

It also called on parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against participating in politically motivated protests, noting that such actions could have serious consequences.

The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring an open political environment where all actors can freely pursue their ambitions without fear or intimidation.