Abia Govt assures to rescue two children abducted by Keke riders

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia 
It was a sad day for the people of Umuosu in Isiala Ngwa North LGA on Friday, after an unidentified tricycle operator who offered a free ride to six pupils after school, sent four of the older children to buy fuel for him and drove away with two of them.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking on the abduction, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah, Rtd, described the incident as unfortunate and assured that the state government is making frantic efforts to rescue the children. He described the incident as a case of child trafficking.
He revealed that the incident happened after school on Friday and should be a source of concern for parents.
“Six pupils were carried by a keke, and then four of the six pupils were sent to go and buy fuel, after which the other two were abducted. That is a typical case of child trafficking.
“The state government is aware. We have set the ball rolling to make sure that we recover them. We actually acted on false information and went to somewhere in Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, but it turned out that the information we got was wrong. The CP has contacted CPs of the neighbouring states,” Ubah stated.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the state government has officially commenced the enforcement of restrictions on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and security of citizens across the state.
He also noted that government has established a toll-free public complaint system to enable residents to report cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse, or other infractions by security agencies and task force personnel, to ensure transparency and accountability in the enforcement process.
He recalled that the enforcement of the restrictions was initially scheduled to commence on June 22, 2026, but was postponed by one week in what he described as “a rare display of compassion by the people-oriented government of Dr. Alex Otti.”
He reiterated that the state government recognizes that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood and movement, and fully appreciates the concerns raised by affected operators and members of the public.
“It was in demonstration of this understanding that the government sanctioned the postponement of the commencement date to enable affected persons to comply with the new regulatory requirements and make necessary adjustments,” Prince Kanu stated.
The Commissioner announced that, as contained in an advisory recently issued by the government, the penalty for violation of the restriction remains Twenty Thousand Naira, N20,000.
He made it clear that impounded motorcycles would only be released upon fulfillment of all applicable registration, documentation, verification, and other statutory requirements. He further clarified that private motorcycles would continue to enjoy free passage provided they are duly registered and documented, but are not permitted to carry passengers.
He said, “All commercial motorcycle operators are permitted to operate only within approved jurisdictions and must wear officially approved state government-issued identification vests while carrying out their operations. All motorcycles, tricycles, and commercial vehicles operating in the state must be properly registered and documented in accordance with government regulations,” he disclosed.
Prince Kanu appealed to residents, transport operators, community leaders, and the general public to cooperate with relevant authorities in support of the initiative. He thanked citizens for their understanding and support since the restrictions were announced, maintaining that no economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life.
“No economic or political consideration can outweigh the value of human life. We will continue to ensure that Abians and residents can live, work, and move about freely in a secure environment,” Prince Kanu stated.
On infrastructure development  the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Works has continued to intensify road construction and maintenance activities across the state.

According to him, between June 16 and June 29, 2026, direct labour activities were carried out at 14 locations across the state, with five projects completed and one new project added to the ministry’s maintenance basket.
He revealed that the completed projects include: the construction of the 1.19-kilometre Obikabia-Umueleke Road, Phase One, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA; the 550-metre Uzoma-Ohokobe-Afara-Ohokobe Road to Polygon Junction off Aba Road; Chief Nkoro Street to Udeagbala Road in Aba; rainy season maintenance works on Ojari Road in Arochukwu; and desilting works along Faulks Road in Aba.
The Commissioner further announced the commencement of a new direct labour project: the construction of Green Avenue Square in Aba. He also revealed that 24 road projects are currently on contract across the state, with contractors making significant progress on the various sites.
“The state government, through the Ministry of Works, continues to push the boundaries in road construction and infrastructure development, with visible progress being made across the state,” Prince Kanu concluded.