Otti urges timely intervention to free abducted ABSU students

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former gubernatorial candidate in Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has described as wicked and reprehensible the abduction of students of Abia State University (ABSU) by unknown gunmen.

An unspecified number of ABSU students were seized Thursday by gunmen from a bus while travelling from Okigwe, Imo State to their campus at Uturu in Abia, according to a report confirmed by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu.

Otti, according to a statement, Thursday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the news of the abduction came to him as a shock and disbelief.

He called on relevant authorities and security agencies to swiftly swing into action and ensure timely rescue of the students without harm while promising to offer the necessary support and assistance that could hasten the release of the students.

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“Dr Otti views such act of violence against the students as wicked, barbaric and reprehensible, and reminded the perpetrators of the dastardly act that nothing justifies any form of violence against innocent members of the society, much more students on legitimate academic pursuit,” the statement said.

The former bank chief whose foundation, Alex Otti Foundation (AOF), recently announced the shortlisting of 58 undergraduates for scholarship awards, called on governments at all levels to treat the present security challenge bedevilling the country as a pressing emergency in order to find a permanent solution to it.

He urged government to engage the youths and various aggrieved groups in a sincere and comprehensive dialogue that could help reduce the present tension and security challenges.