Otti launches Abia Security Trust Fund to intensify fight against crime, insecurity

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Umuahia, July 10,2025

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund (ASSTF) and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring safety of lives and property in the state.

Speaking  during the occasion, tagged “Building a Safer Abia,” in Umuahia, Otti said that security should be treated as a shared responsibility by the government, businesses, and citizens.

“Insecurity cannot be tackled by arms and ammunition alone, there is need for  the use of lawful force and social investment to build safer environments and discourage crime,” he said.

Otti said that upon assuming office in May 2023,  Operation Crush was launched to reclaim territories from criminals and support policing with vehicles and logistics.

The governor also said that the State’s Homeland Security Office had since become more efficient, offering vital intelligence and acting independently when required.

He said that through the government’s efforts, Abia enjoys  peace and stability due to the strategic planning and firm responses to external criminal threats.

Otti stressed that “security is expensive, but inaction costs more”, urging philanthropists and organisations to contribute generously to the fund.

He said that the fund, backed by law, would support operational equipment, intelligence systems, and technology to detect and  deter crimes in Abia.

“We’re setting up a quick-response centre to improve coordination and public safety through real-time data,” he said.

Otti promised transparency and accountability, assuring that every donation would be prudently applied.

“This is a continuous exercise. When we call, answer with generosity and duty,” he said.

In her speech, the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to security.

She emphasised that peace in Abia would positively influence national stability and urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity in their communities.

Onyejeocha noted that security should not be left to government alone and called for public collaboration with law enforcement to enhance safety across all aspects of life.

In his address, the Chairman of the ASSTF Board of Trustees, Mr. Stanley Obiamarije, described the event as pivotal in Abia’s journey towards greater security.

Obiamarije, represented by his Vice, ,Mr. Johnson Chukwu, commended the governor for revitalising the trust fund through decisive leadership, political will and actionable commitment.

He reaffirmed that the fund would operate as a public-private partnership supporting security agencies with equipment and logistics.

Obiamarije stressed that accountability and transparency would be applied in managing the funds, with all contributions documented.

According to him, the fund would be used for acquisition of surveillance tools, communication devices, and other operational needs.

He urged businesses, traditional leaders, and civil society to support the initiative, calling it a form of corporate social responsibility to protect investments and staff.

Also, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief John Udeagbala, called for a grassroots strategy known as “See it, Say it, Sort it”, to encourage prompt reporting and better cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Udeagbala proposed that 1per cent  of the state’s Gross Domestic Product be allocated to security, and advocated a transparent levy to ensure consistent and inclusive funding.

Udeagbala added that only through unity could Abia build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all citizens and investors.

In an interview with newsmen, the lawmaker, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Alex Ikwuechegh, commended the present administration’s pragmatic and inclusive approach to governance.

Ikwuechegh said that this approach had contributed to making Abia safer, especially the intentional government and stakeholder engagement.

He expressed optimism that partnerships with community leaders, traditional rulers, and the private sector would further transform the state’s security architecture.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Comdr Macdonald Ubah (Rtd), described the fund as a strategic move to sustain peace and reduce financial strain on government.

Ubah emphasised that security remains the bedrock of development and urged continued support to strengthen Abia’s capacity to respond to evolving security threats.