The Deputy General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Umuahia zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, has disclosed that the state government is taking steps to rein in the uncontrolled movement of cattle across Umuahia, the state capital.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Jonah expressed concern over the growing menace of herders leading their cattle through major streets — including the Government House axis — warning that such unchecked movement poses environmental and security risks.
“The governor is deeply concerned about this development,” Jonah said. “I’ve already spoken to the CSO and the Attorney General about the situation. I plan to formally write a memo to the governor seeking his direction on how to curb this problem. It’s unacceptable that cows now roam even the Government House area.”
Jonah lamented the poor enforcement of existing laws, noting that other states have designated grazing areas, a policy Abia must also pursue to restore order within the capital city.
“There are places these animals should be. Not inside the town,” he said, adding that stronger legislation and enforcement mechanisms will be necessary to put an end to the situation.
On the broader state of sanitation, Jonah praised the Alex Otti-led administration for prioritizing environmental cleanliness since assuming office in May 2023. According to him, the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency on sanitation yielded immediate results, reversing years of environmental neglect.
“When we came in, Abia was synonymous with bad roads and filthy surroundings. But today, we’ve cleared most of the filth and are working hard to sustain the cleanliness,” he said.
He highlighted the acquisition of critical sanitation equipment — including payloaders, compactors, roll-off trucks, and tricycles (keke pickups) — that has improved waste collection across Umuahia and surrounding estates.
“In Umuahia zone alone, we now have about 15 keke pickups for door-to-door waste collection, especially in places the bigger compactors can’t reach. The governor provided these tools, and they’ve made a major difference.”
On drainage systems, Jonah noted that the administration has reopened long-blocked gutters and drainage channels, some of which residents were unaware even existed.
“Today, water flows better in the city thanks to the directive by Governor Otti to open up those ancient gutters. And we’re also enforcing maintenance — ensuring that people clean their drains and stop dumping waste in them,” he said.
Jonah called on residents to take personal responsibility for keeping their environment clean and urged media organizations to support public sensitization campaigns against environmental abuse.
“We’ve done a lot in just two years. But sustaining the gains requires the cooperation of all citizens,” he concluded.
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