Abia Police Debunks Arise TV Report Alleging Killings by Local Security Groups in Aba and Ugwunagbo, Launches Full-Scale Investigation

The Abia State Police Command has strongly refuted claims aired on Arise TV alleging that community security watch groups in parts of Aba and Ugwunagbo Local Government Areas killed several young men and adult males with the backing of traditional rulers.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 16, 2025, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Command described the report as “unverified and misleading,” noting that no such incidents had been officially reported within the state.

According to the statement, “no such report of killings has been received at the Command Headquarters, Area Commands, or any Divisional Police Station within Abia State.” It further emphasized that there were “no related complaints submitted through its emergency hotlines, Complaint Response Unit, or verified social media channels.”

Despite the absence of formal reports, the Police Command disclosed that it had constituted an investigative team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to look into the allegations. The team has been tasked with examining all circumstances surrounding the claims, identifying any potential perpetrators, and ensuring that justice is served if wrongdoing is uncovered.

As part of the ongoing probe, the Command confirmed that traditional rulers, vigilante commanders, and youth leaders from the allegedly affected communities of Umuogele and Iheorji in Aba South Local Government Area, and Nkpaevula in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area are currently being interrogated to ascertain the facts.

Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Abia State. He noted that Abia continues to enjoy relative peace and stability, thanks to the combined efforts of the Police, sister security agencies, and the strong support of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner further encouraged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and promptly report any threat to life or property through the Command’s official communication channels and emergency contact numbers: 08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, and 08079210006.

Reiterating the Police’s partnership with the public, CP Isa urged:

“See something, say something. Together, let’s make Abia safe.”