The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has firmly dismissed reports alleging that his administration enlisted the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to tackle insecurity and confront Fulani herders in the state.
In response to the widespread rumors, Governor Otti, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, clarified on Sunday that the claims were entirely false, describing them as a dangerous attempt to incite unrest among residents and malign the reputation of the state government.
“The attention of the Abia State Government has been drawn to a viral post circulated by a faceless blogger, alleging that Governor Alex Otti has approved the deployment of IPOB’s ESN to drive away Fulani herdsmen and protect local farmers,” Ekeoma stated. “This claim is not only baseless but also malicious and misleading.”
He pointed out that the blog post alleged the move was due to the supposed failure of federal security forces to protect farmers and rural communities—a narrative he said was carefully crafted to fuel ethnic tensions and discredit the government.
Ekeoma revealed that similar claims had previously surfaced but were ignored, as the government believed they lacked credibility. However, due to the persistence and potential to mislead the public, the administration decided to address the latest allegations directly.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the government of Abia State, under the leadership of Governor Otti, has never considered or approved the involvement of any non-state actors in the handling of security matters,” he emphasized.
He reiterated that the state remains committed to working with constitutionally recognized security agencies. To that end, the administration recently established a joint security task force, codenamed “Operation Crush,” which has been instrumental in combating criminal activities across the state.
“‘Operation Crush’ has made remarkable strides in reducing insecurity, and while isolated incidents of kidnapping and robbery persist, the government is actively working to eliminate these threats,” Ekeoma explained.
He warned those behind the misinformation campaign that the government would not tolerate attempts to sow discord, provoke fear, or politicize security in the state.
“Those who hide behind anonymity to stir ethnic hatred, spread lies, and threaten public peace should be aware that their actions carry serious consequences. We are committed to identifying and bringing them to justice,” he added.
Governor Otti’s administration reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the safety and unity of all Abia residents, calling on the public to disregard unfounded reports and support genuine efforts to maintain peace in the state.
