Update: No ABSU Student Was Abducted, Abia Govt. Says

Press Release

It was with sadness that we received the news of an attack on commuters by hoodlums operating along Ihube, Okigwe LGA of Imo State, which affected some students of Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu, who ran into them while returning from a religious programme yesterday in Imo State with the unfortunate loss of Master Ede Donald and injury to three other students of the school.

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Janet Agbede, to, as a matter of urgency, liaise with her counterpart in Imo State to swiftly arrest the hoodlums and bring them to justice.

Abia State Government has also confirmed from the management of Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu, that the three students who sustained injuries from the attack have been treated and discharged while the parents of Master Ede Donald have been contacted.

While we commiserate with parents of the deceased, students, staff and management of Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu, over this unfortunate incident in our neighboring state, we condemn in totality the attempt by agents of opposition political actors in our state whose stock in trade is spreading fake news to diminish the state.

The circulating report sponsored by these unconscionable individuals that ten students of Abia State University, Uturu, were abducted yesterday is not only untrue but also wicked and a creation of the evil minds of those who are ready to do anything in pursuit of their selfish objectives against the overall interests of the State.

The management of Abia State University, including the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maxwell Ogbulu, has confirmed that no student of the institution was abducted yesterday as against fake reports obviously sponsored by these elements.

We shall however continue to update Abians on issues affecting the State and her people with sincerity of purpose.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State
19/09/2021