Governor Alex Otti has presented 20 Toyota Hilux trucks to security agencies in the state in line with his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property.

In a speech at the event on Monday in Umuahia, Mr Otti said the gesture aimed to sustain the progress achieved in security, especially during the Christmas season.

The governor commended the security agencies for their efforts to tackle all forms of criminality and ensure peace in Abia.

He said the Abia government purchased the vehicles for the various security agencies in the state to ensure “seamless operations” in discharging their duties.

Mr Otti said, “When we assumed the leadership of this state 18 months plus a few days ago, we made it very clear that security was topmost on our agenda.

“We understood clearly that every other thing that we wanted to do would amount to nothing if security was compromised. We took a decision that we needed to support the security agencies with vehicles and other equipment to ensure that their job is seamless.

“It is in the redemption of that promise that we have gathered today to hand over 20 brand new Toyota Hilux trucks purchased by the state government to our security agencies. This is a way of appreciating the job you do. It is also a way of arming you so that you would be more effective and efficient.”

He said the government had rejigged its security architecture and warned that the state would no longer be a haven for criminals.

“We want to repeat that warning we gave that this place will not be accommodating to people who do not want to live according to the dictates of the law,” Mr Otti said.

He restated his administration’s commitment to addressing security challenges and unwavering support for security agencies.

Mr Otti urged security agents to be professional in their conduct and warned against misconduct, including extortion and the unlawful treatment of citizens.

(NAN)