Abia State Government has denied engaging the Eastern Security Network, ESN, to combat herdsmen and protect farmers in the state.
Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, made the denial in a statement.
He stated that the state government has confidence in the security agencies and could not have engaged non-state actors to combat insecurity.
Ekeoma disclosed that a blogger had alleged that the governor had approved the involvement of the security network to confront Fulani herdsmen and protect farmers following the continued inaction of Nigerian security forces.
The special adviser claimed that the post was intended to create disaffection and cause unnecessary tension in the state.
He cautioned those trying to incite fear and violence against the state and its citizens to know that their actions will attract severe consequences whenever they are caught.
Ekeoma advised residents of the state to ignore the statement and see it as another attempt by desperate enemies of the state to present it in a bad light.
