Governor Alex Otti has commended security agencies in Aba for exercising restraint during a protest held on March 12, 2026, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking during his monthly media chat at Government House in Umuahia on Friday, the governor also praised residents of the commercial city for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the demonstration. He said the state government closely monitored the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“We thank the security agencies for not being violent against the residents. We also commend the Aba residents for being peaceful,” Otti said, noting that reports available to his office indicated that protesters were not harassed.
The governor also addressed concerns over reported activities of herdsmen in some communities across the state, warning that his administration would not tolerate the destruction of farmlands. He urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead report incidents to appropriate authorities.
“We are very intolerant to any herdsman destroying people’s farms. We also encourage the people not to take the laws into their own hands,” he said.
On rising house rents in Aba and Umuahia, Otti attributed the trend to increased migration into the cities and growing demand for accommodation. He explained that the government could not compel landlords to reduce rents but expressed optimism that ongoing housing estate projects across the state would help ease the pressure on accommodation in the near future.
