Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Lokpanta Cattle Market into a safe and crime-free zone.
The Governor who stated this during an unscheduled visit to the market where he inspected the ongoing perimeter fencing project aimed at enhancing security in the market.emphasized the need to eradicate criminal elements and uphold the market’s integrity.
Recall that the market was hirthetho a safe heaven for perpetrators of violent crimes, including kidnappers, before their dislodgement by Operation Crush; a security task force of the Abia state government.
He assured legitimate businesspersons of government support while reiterating the imperative to relocate residents to ensure the market’s non-residential status.
“Government is making plans to locate where you will live, so, everyone who is doing a legitimate business, the government will protect you. What we don’t want are criminals.
“You must fish out every criminal because the day they will attack, they may be attacking you. Criminals don’t ask where you come from, what religion or what language you speak.
“We must rid this place of crime and criminality. Legitimate people who have things to do, we will support you to do your business. So, that is why I stopped here to look at the environment and look at the level of work that has been done and I am impressed that work is going on smoothly,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti who addressed the unsanitary condition of the market, urged the traders to maintain cleanliness.
He thanked the traders and their leaders for their cooperation and support to ensure that the state government’s policy of securing the market and making it non-residential is realised.
The Chairman of Cattle Market, Alhaji Danladi thanked Governor Otti for the visit and expressed happiness that the government was interested in the welfare and well-being of the cattle traders.
