By Nnaya Okemini, Umuahia
CG, ASVG, Chief Martin Mba
The Commander General (CG), Abia State Vigilance Group (ASVG), Chief Martin Idika Mba has commended security agencies in the state for their effective control of crime and criminality during the Christmas and New Year Day celebrations.
Mba stated this while interacting with newsmen in his office at the headquarters of the ASVG in Umuahia, the state capital, assuring of their continued commitment to the security of lives and property in the state.
He attributed the successes recorded by the agencies to the cooperation existing among them on the one hand and between them and the public on the other, stressing the need for the sustenance of the situation in the interest of the good of all.
The CG expressed dismay over the use of fireworks (knockout) during the celebrations and even at present despite the government’s ban on them, adding that it is not only a security risk but could provide cover for criminal to operate.
He threw the support of the ASVG behind the government’s eviction of traders from Ishigate in the state capital, saying their presence had constituted many challenges most especially security, environmental pollution and traffic congestion.
“In view of this, we are ready to join forces with the other security agencies to ensure the traders comply with the eviction order in line with best practices,” said the CG, who expressed satisfaction with the trader’s level of compliance.
Arguing that the Ubani Ibeku Modern Market where they had been directed to relocate has capacity to absolve more than thrice the population of the traders, he added that it also has adequate security provided by the ASVG both day and night.
“It was painful watching the market with it’s facilities and specious environment rot away due to under utilization after the immediate past government spent huge sum of money to build it,” the CG lamented.
