The Abia State Government has declared its readiness to partner with security agencies to eradicate crime and criminal activities in the state.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made the declaration while donating three pick-up patrol vans to the Nigerian Army at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said he chose the yelutide to make the presentation because of the desire of his administration to ensure a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.

Presenting the vans to Brigadier-General A.J. Omoje, who was on hand to receive them, Ikpeazu said: “May I also use this opportunity to serve a note of warning to criminals to stay away from the borders of Abia State.”

“We are more determined now than ever before to make sure that this Christmas period will be safe. Those who plan to foment trouble in any way are advised to go to other places because we will be very, very merciless and decisive in our pursuit against criminals and those who make human beings article of merchandise,” he added.

He noted that the security agencies have the herculean task of securing life and property and needed to be encouraged, adding that they have done well in Abia.

Said he: “First of all, we appreciate, the Nigerian military, the Police, the Navy and all those that are associated with protection of life and property in Abia State and Nigeria generally for the wonderful job that they are doing. We recognise the fact that we go about our businesses without fear, without molestation, is a fallout of their commitment, diligence and gallantry.

“It behooves on us as a people to continually pray for their safety and to continually also find ways of assisting them and making their job easier.

“In Abia State, in particular, we are also conversant with our battle against criminals, against those that get involved in violent crimes, those who make our desire to make Abia a leading economy in Nigeria very, very difficult and that is why we have decided as a government to present these vehicles to the Nigerian Army and we want to, first of all, encourage them and tell them that our prayer and our wishes of good luck will continue to abide with them.

“Even as we handover this vehicles, we pray that the vehicles will serve them in such a way that their job will be a little easier than it is today.”

Governor Ikpeazu said the gesture was just the beginning of what his administration has in store for security agencies in the state.