- The leaders of the northern community within the market expressed concerns and believed the governor’s actions might be an attempt to displace them, as they were unaware of the reported discovery of the corpses
The Abia State Government has revealed that security agencies possess information about the 70 corpses recovered in the forest near the Lokpanta Cattle Market, situated in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
During the second edition of his monthly media chat in Umuahia, Abia State Governor Alex Otti disclosed that security agents had uncovered 70 decomposing corpses and numerous skeletons during a raid of the forest surrounding the cattle market.
The governor emphasized that this discovery played a significant role in the decision by his administration to transition the market from a weekly market to a daily one, with the aim of enhancing the safety and security of residents.
However, the leaders of the northern community within the market expressed concerns and believed the governor’s actions might be an attempt to displace them, as they were unaware of the reported discovery of the corpses.
But speaking with journalists the corpses were taken after evacuation from the forest, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kazie Uko, said details of the recovered corpses are with security agents, adding that they would be disclosed after the conclusion of investigations.
Uko said, “What he (Otti) said was based on the report given to him by the security men.
“It is the security men who will tell where the corpses are. It is a security matter and they didn’t package them to come and give to the governor.
The people did their operations and they reported to the governor their findings. It is a security matter.”
On whether the corpses would be given a mass burial or displayed for possible identification by relations, the CPS said, “By the time the security agencies finish their investigation, they will know what they want to do.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Maureen Chinaka, said she would get back on the matter. She had, however, yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.