Abia Assembly Condemns Alleged Ritual KiIIings in Akirika-Uku, Urges Gov Otti to Strengthen Security

Abia State House of Assembly has condemned the discovery of several mutilated bodies on farmland in Akirika-Uku community and called on the state government to intensify security measures to apprehend those responsible.

The House made the call during plenary while passing a resolution urging the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, to direct heads of security agencies in the state to beef up surveillance and operations to address the growing security concerns.

The resolution was announced by the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa, following a motion of urgent public importance raised by the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency, Lewis Obianyi.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Lewis Chinaemerem Obianyi informed the House that residents of Akirika-Uku recently discovered about six lifeless bodies on farmland within the community, an incident that has left residents in fear.

According to the lawmaker representing Ukwa-East State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, some parts of the bodies were reportedly missing, raising suspicions that the killings may be linked to ritual activities by criminal elements operating in the area.

He noted that the disturbing development has created panic among farmers and residents who now feel unsafe accessing their farmlands.

Hon. Obianyi also told the Assembly that some estate developers had earlier shown interest in developing vacant lands located between Akpa-Mbato community and Akirika-Uku, stressing the need for thorough investigation into the incident.

He urged security agencies, particularly the State Security Service (SSS), to intensify efforts in uncovering those behind the killings and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a related development, the member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, Hon. Chinasa Anthony, expressed concern over what he described as rising incidents of violent killings in Umuahia.

Anthony alleged that suspected hoodlums and cult groups, sometimes operating with tricycles, have been involved in attacks even in broad daylight.

He cited a recent incident in which a young man was reportedly killed by suspected hoodlums along the Amuzukwu area of the city.

Describing Umuahia as a traditionally peaceful city, the lawmaker condemned the increasing wave of violence and joined his colleague in calling for urgent intervention by security agencies to restore safety and public confidence.

The House urged relevant authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the killings and strengthen security patrols across affected communities to prevent further incidents.