Maroc - SPYETV.COM.NG - A La Une - 07/Jun 21:19

US-Based Nigerian Adds N5m to Bounty on Killers of Soldiers in Abia, NAF to Establish Presence

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that the earlier bounty of N25 million placed on those responsible for the cowardly act has now been increased to N30 million after an illustrious son of the State resident in the United States willingly donated additional N5 million to the bounty. Governor Otti disclosed when Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar visited him at his country home at Mvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State earlier today, 7 June 2024. He then called on the need for all citizens of the State to join hands with security agencies to rid the State of criminal elements who have disrupted the peace enjoyed since his assumption of office. Responding to CAS proposed of establishing a NAF Base in Abia State, Governor Otti noted that the establishment of a NAF Base in Abia State could not have been more timely as the Federal Government recently approved the construction of an air strip in the State. The large expanse of land earmarked for the air strip, according to the Governor, is large enough to accommodate a NAF Base, which his government would be glad to allocate to the NAF. To ensure an immediate operationalization of the new Base within the next 2 months, the Governor promised to provide a temporary site at Umuahia as well as residential accommodation, mobility and other requirements. The presence of the NAF in Abia State, he continued, will bolster the efforts of other security agencies.Earlier Air Marshal Abubakar said said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will soon establish a permanent presence in Abia State as it's willing to take advantage of the opportunity to further extend its reach in the employment of air power in response to national security imperatives, especially in Abia State and the Southeast Region.He said NAF presence in Abia State would not only bolster security of the airspace but also provide invaluable support in emergency response, disaster management and community development initiatives. The director of Public Relations and Information,Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet in a press statement said while expressing sadness over the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of lives of soldiers and disruption of livelihood at Obikabia Junction of Obingwa Local Government Area in May 2024, Air Marshal Abubakar however assured that those behind the dastardly act will soon be brought to justice. Speaking further, the CAS  applauded Governor Otti’s dedication to public service and commitment to the betterment of Abia State. According to him, “We admire your governance style which is people-oriented and centred on the judicious management of public resources in order to improve the living standard of Abians. The pathway you have chosen for your people is that of sustainable growth, development and prosperity.”www.twitter.com/spyetv