The Abia State Government says it has uncovered “a dangerous and clandestine plot by some frustrated politicians who lost out in the last Saturday’s re-run election to burn down some local council headquarters in the state, including Bende Local Council Headquarters.”

According to Godwin Adindu, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, “These groups of frustrated politicians have been holding secret meetings somewhere in Akwa Ibom, from where they plan to launch the violent attack on the state. They have particularly marked out Bende Local Council Headquarters for total destruction, after which they will unleash a spate of violence on government facilities.

“These frustrated politicians are recruiting hoodlums and thugs for this mischievous activity with the aim of causing a total breakdown of law and order and a breach of public peace.

“The State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has therefore warned these elements to desist from such nefarious plans as the consequences will be too unpalatable for them, stressing that nobody should take the peaceful disposition of the government for granted.”

Adindu in a statement issued yesterday evening in Umuahia said that Governor Ikpeazu also re-emphasised that security of lives and property remains first mandate of his administration, adding that the state will take necessary steps to combat any form of threat to the peace of the state.

“He advised parents and guardians to guide their children and wards and ensure that they are not unduly manipulated by desperate politicians and used to cause mayhem against the state,” the statement said.