Governor Alex Otti has confirmed two separate kidnap attempts in Olokoro and Ubakala communities in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, assuring residents that the incidents are isolated and that security agencies are fully on top of the situation.

Otti made the disclosure on Friday in Umuahia while fielding questions from journalists during his February media chat. He said he had received reports from the Commissioner of Police regarding the incidents and stressed that measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

“I am aware of those incidents and I can assure you that the police are on top of them,” the governor said. “I actually got a report from the Commissioner of Police on the two incidents today. They are isolated incidents but they happened all the same. And because they happened, we need to put procedures and everything in place to ensure that they don’t repeat.”

The incidents reportedly occurred the previous week and involved individuals suspected to be cattle herders. The suspects were said to have fled after operatives of the Abia State Homeland Security intervened.

Speaking further during the media chat, the governor reviewed developments across key sectors of the state’s economy, including the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel. Otti clarified that the hotel is owned largely by the state government, which holds 80 per cent equity, while the remaining 20 per cent belongs to families under the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) who had previously invested in the facility.

He disclosed that international hospitality brand Radisson Blu has signed on to manage the five-star facility, noting that certain global standards must be met before the brand fully operates the hotel. According to him, the management agreement was signed last year, and the state may consider selling part of its equity to interested investors.

On environmental concerns, particularly the Aba River where residents have been dumping refuse, the governor said the government has drawn up a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. He explained that the river would be dredged to restore proper flow and that plans are underway to develop a leisure and entertainment centre around the area.

Otti also warned companies against discharging untreated waste into the river, describing the practice as irresponsible and punishable, especially as some residents depend on the river as a source of water.

Addressing the controversial airport project initiated by the previous administration, the governor said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been inviting individuals linked to funds allegedly paid into private accounts. He expressed optimism that the state would recover any misappropriated funds at the appropriate time.