Abia State Ministry of Homeland Security, says its officials intercepted a group of Almajiris loaded in a cattle truck on their way to Abia.
The Dan Okoli-led team intercepted the Almajiris hidden in cattle trucks at the Enugu-Abia border, along the Enugu – Aba Highway.
John Okiyi-Kalu, commissioner of information, Abia State in a press release, explained that several trucks conveying food items with several almajiris hiding in them were turned back at the same border until the interception on Tuesday.
The Commissioner said that Government had directed that more homeland security agents be deployed to one of the borders with Akwa Ibom State, following the interception of another truck conveying almajiris alongside goods destined for Akwa Ibom State.
Abia State Government had earlier on Monday alerted citizens that it received intelligence reports on the planned movement of a group of almajiris into the state within 24 hours.
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Some residents of Aba, the commercial hub of the state, who spoke to our reporter pleaded with the state government to beef up the security within the state, especially at the borders.
“How come they want to shift them into our peaceful and less- disturbed state? I thank God that the government uncovered this evil plot, but uncovering it is not enough,” said Jackson Akudiwe, a resident.
“We’re also happy that they’ve apprehended some of them and that’s a wonderful achievement. We plead with them to quickly strengthen the borders,” he added.
Meanwhile, Okiyi-Kalu said that the State government has directed that traditional rulers and Transition Council Chairmen of inter-state boundary communities will be held responsible and sanctioned for any of such unauthorized entry into the state.
He stressed that the government had warned that all necessary lawful measures must be taken to stop the entry of not only the almajiris but also other unlawful migrants.
He added that the measures would remain till the Federal Government-backed inter-state border closure regulation put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 from one state to another is lifted.
