Gov Umahi Orders Arrest Of Aides

Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state, yesterday ordered the arrest of government officials from two warring communities in Ikwo local government area of the state.

The governor said he was told that those who were arrested were involved in the crisis affecting the area.

Umahi gave the order in Abakaliki, the state capital, during an enlarged security meeting convened on the communal clash between Ekpomaka and Inyimegu communities of the area.

Among those who were arrested were the governors’ deputy chief of staff,Fidelis Okpata traditional rulers and government officials present at the meeting.

Also, those who were not present at the meeting were also arrested, including Frederick Udogu, chairman of Abakaliki Capital Territory Development Board, and Eso Udogu, coordinator of Ikwo South Development Centre.

Naija News learnt that Umahi directed Cletus Ofoke, commissioner for justice, to obtain a court order to detain them.

“They should remain in detention until they sign an undertaking that no further life would be lost or property destroyed in both communities,” he said.

“I don’t mind losing all the votes from the areas but I will not keep quiet and watch people die unnecessarily and properties destroyed due to irrelevant issues.”

He ordered his aide-de-camp to lock all the doors of the state executive council chamber to prevent the affected persons from leaving the chambers.