By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—Worried by the rising rate of kidnapping and other violent crime in Abia state, the 17 local councils have taken concrete steps to assist in combating the menace.

Disclosing this to newsmen at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, the project consultant, Dr. Phillip Nto, said that government has secured the services of security experts to organise sensitization seminars at the grassroots to educate the youths on the evils of crime.

Enumerating some of the credible efforts of Abia state government, Dr. Nto said they includes banning of commercial motorcycle operation in the state capital, signing the Law setting up Abia State Vigilante Services and donation of several patrol vans and other equipment to the security agencies in the state.

Others, according to him, include insurance scheme for policemen and the N1 million cash reward for any informant that gives useful information that would lead to the apprehension of criminals in the state.

Dr. Nto explaining that the content of the proposed seminars,  would cover such areas as encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship in the youths, creating awareness about the consequences of kidnapping and strengthening the role of youths in community vigilante.

While urging royal fathers and church leaders to encourage their youths to fully participate in the various activities lined up for the security seminar, Nto also appealed to youths to shun crime and support Abia state government in its current fight against crime.