The Abia State government has blamed the violent attacks on military and police personnel on the opposition politicians.

In a statement issued, the Abia government stated that those responsible for the orchestration of violence are the "unpatriotic opposition politicians, in connivance with external forces."

The state government said this following the killing of two soldiers last Wednesday at a checkpoint in Ekenobizi, Umuopara, a community in Umuahia South Local Government Area, which borders Imo State.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, revealed that the government has set up a "new counter offensive" that will dismantle any criminal networks operating within Abia.

Adding that the government plans to deal with perpetrators of violence in Abia State. He said, “It has been firmly established that some unpatriotic politicians, in connivance with some external parties, are behind the current wave of violence and crime in the state since the end of May this year.

“The sole agenda is to cause disaffection and distract the government from its focus on the development of the state.”

According to Ekeoma, based on a “tip-off from patriotic citizens and reliable intelligence,” the government has “firmly established” that the opposition with external parties was really behind the growing violence in Abia State.”

"With the latest attack, no fewer than eight troops have been killed by hoodlums since the first attack occurred on May 19, 2024, followed by a second one on May 30 which claimed five soldiers. Police personnel have also fallen victim to the bloody attacks."

He stated that the opposition formed a new strategy to disrupt governance after “they realised that their initial efforts at churning out lies and fabrications against the government” failed.

"The Abia State opposition politicians had been engaging in intense and vicious propaganda against the Alex Otti administration, all in the guise of playing opposition politics."

"The peaceful disposition of the Abia State government as acknowledged locally, nationally and internationally should not be taken for granted, as we will not yield to blackmail or intimidation.

It needs to be understood that the government will not sit idly by and watch any person or group of persons unleash violence on innocent and peace-loving citizens of the state,” he stated.

The Abia State government therefore issued a warning to “those behind the attacks on security agents and innocent civilians, including the kidnapping of law-abiding citizens” to halt all plans or face the full wrath of the State government.

"The Abia government will bring its full capacity and institutional forces to bear to smoke out the people involved in creating anarchy and instilling fear in the minds of Abians and visitors.

He said the state government led by Governor Alex Otti is prepared and equal to the task of safeguarding the lives and property of people living in any part of Abia State and will execute this noble obligation to the fullest without let or hindrance.

While urging all innocent and peace-loving Abia residents to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or panic, as the government is determined to ensure their protection at all times, Ekeoma stated that criminal elements would be routed," Ekeoma added.