The Managing Director of a prominent gas company has been arrested by the Abia State government after allegedly vandalizing sections of the newly constructed 6-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia. Authorities claim the damage involved a manhole and pedestrian walkway, key features of the road, sparking outrage from both the government and local residents.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed the arrest at a press briefing held at the Government House in Umuahia. He emphasized that the state government will no longer tolerate acts of vandalism targeting public infrastructure. Kanu called on communities, traditional rulers, and youths to safeguard government property, warning that the state will hold violators accountable.
“Abia State has invested billions of Naira into upgrading its infrastructure for the comfort of its citizens. We cannot allow a few individuals to sabotage these efforts. The government will ensure that anyone caught damaging public property will face the full wrath of the law,” Kanu stated.
The General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Agency (UCDA), Kingsley Agomoh, also expressed concern over the ongoing destruction along the boulevard, revealing that more than 15 manholes have been damaged since the road was commissioned. He highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Umuahia and Aba into smart cities, which is being undermined by these reckless acts of vandalism.
“The destruction of manholes along the boulevard is unacceptable and threatens the durability of the road. This is something no responsible government should tolerate, and we are taking firm action to address it,” Agomoh added.
The Abia State government has urged local communities to take an active role in protecting public infrastructure and ensure that the actions of a few do not hinder development efforts.
