Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has cautioned men of Abia State Vigilante Services against intimidation of citizens of the state.
This is even as he insists that those who took part in burning the office of Abia State Vigilante Services at Timber market in Umuahia on Monday must be brought to book.
The governor was reacting to an altercation between men of the state vigilante services and traders in the market which reportedly led to the death of at least one person while others sustained various degrees of injury.
In a statement on Monday issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, the governor also directed the immediate withdrawal of Abia vigilante operatives from the market.
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“The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to the recent wanton destruction of Abia Vigilante Services, AVS, Office, Timbers Market, Umuahia.
“Government frowns at this unfortunate incident and has accordingly directed the Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate the alleged altercation leading to the burning of AVS facilities.
“Government directs the officers and men of AVS to withdraw from the market forthwith while the leadership of the market is enjoined to assist the police identify the arsonists.
“The impunity of burning buildings and other public institutions must stop forthwith, as arson remains a very serious crime against the state and humanity, which attracts severe consequences under our laws.
“Government will promptly discipline any AVS personnel who harasses or intimidates citizens.Abians are enjoined to go about their normal business and avoid engaging an armed person in any fisticuffs” the statement read.
ABN TV had brought you a report that at least one person was feared dead on Monday following the invasion of the market by the officers of the state Board of Internal Revenue who had locked up the market while insisting that traders should pay the sum of N18,000 to access their shops.
Not pleased by the move, the traders put up a stiff resistance.
In apparent effort to enforce the order, officers of the State Board of Internal Revenue Service had sought the assistance of men of the state vigilante services.
This however led to violence that resulted in the burning of Theo office located around the market.
