The Abia State Government has strongly condemned “the recent destruction of farmlands by cows grazing openly in violation of extant laws of the state and Nigeria.”

A statement on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, also condemned, “without reservations, the activities of criminal herdsmen suspected to have masterminded recent brazen kidnap of innocent citizens around Abia North Senatorial Zone of the state.”

“Consequently,” Okiyi Kalu said, “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agents in the state to bring to justice all those involved in the criminal activities.

“Government also frowns seriously at the wanton destruction of cows by yet to be identified individuals whose aim is to exacerbate already existing tensions.

“Government has fully activated all relevant components of the state security architecture to ensure the safety of lives and property of law abiding citizens, residents and visitors to the state.

“We therefore call on the people to go about their legitimate businesses without fear as government is on top of the situation and will spare nothing in protecting Abians.”