In order to checkmate the activities of rampaging Fulani herdsmen, The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the deployment of the State’s Vigilant outfit, Bakassi Boys to all rural communities of the State.

The Governor also directed all monarchs in the State to nominate 10 youths to the Local Government Commissioner to join a planned intensive training of the Bakassi vigilante for onward deployment to the rural communities. He said that they would assist in community policing under the supervision of the police.

Ikpeazu also mandated law enforcement agencies to search and screen all trucks and vehicles conveying live stocks, food items and persons into the state from any part of the country as well as search and screen markets and settlements where live stocks and dealers are to ensure security.

Governor Ikpeazu’s action was prompted by the killing of two butchers by a soldier in Aba and empathized with the family of the deceased and fellow butchers.

A statement personally issued by the Governor himself stated thus: “My dear brothers and sisters, I have been informed of the very unfortunate incident that happened in Aba, the commercial town of our dear state today, where a soldier killed a meat-seller at the popular abattoir located at the Ogbohill area of Aba. I condemn the act that led to the untimely death of this brother.

“I have instructed and equipped security agencies in the state to ensure watertight security around our boarders and towns against any form of attack.

 “I have directed that the men of the Abia State Vigilante Services (AVS), popularly known as Bakassi, to commence, with immediate effect, a two week intensive training, for onward deployment to our communities to assist in community policing under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police.