ASEPA Condemns Umuahia Assault, Disbands Monitoring Team

ASEPA Condemns Umuahia Assault, Disbands Monitoring Team

The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has strongly condemned the assault that occurred over the weekend in Umuahia involving a sanitation task force and a resident, describing the incident as unacceptable and a violation of the agency’s operational standards.

Speaking with journalists in his office, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, said the agency does not condone violence or lawlessness under any circumstances. He stressed that ASEPA’s standard procedure when faced with resistance is to involve the police, not to engage in physical confrontation.

“We totally condemn what happened on Saturday. No matter the level of provocation, our duty is to invite the police. We are not supposed to assault anyone,” Jonah said.

He clarified that the individual alleged to have carried out the assault was not part of the official monitoring team on duty at the time. According to him, the suspect allegedly intervened in an argument between residents and sanitation officials and acted independently.

“He was not among the team working at that location. He reportedly came in from outside and allegedly pulled out a machete from his private vehicle. ASEPA does not operate with weapons or handcuffs,” Jonah explained.

In response to the incident, the Deputy General Manager announced that the ASEPA monitoring team in Umuahia Zone has been disbanded. He said only about 13 carefully screened personnel would be retained to ensure greater discipline and professionalism.
Jonah also confirmed that the agency has taken full responsibility for the victim’s medical treatment.

“I personally stayed with him at the hospital. The medical bills have been paid, and I appreciate the family’s understanding. By the grace of God, his hand is now functioning after surgery,” he said.

He disclosed that the police have been given full access to investigate the matter, adding that about five individuals are currently being questioned in connection with the incident.

While condemning the assault, Jonah appealed to residents to support environmental sanitation efforts, noting that a clean environment benefits everyone and enhances the image of Abia State.

“Keeping the environment clean is for our own good. ASEPA is not an enemy of the people. We are working for the glory of Abia State,” he said.
He also decried rising hostility toward sanitation workers, revealing that street sweepers are frequently attacked while performing their duties.

“These women are beaten daily while sweeping the streets. That is part of the challenge we face,” he said.
Jonah further revealed that ASEPA had received intelligence reports weeks earlier about planned attacks on its personnel. He emphasized that officers undergo regular training on professional conduct and noted that the agency has historically maintained a cordial working relationship with the police.
“This is the first time we are witnessing such an incident. ASEPA is a well-coordinated agency, and we will not tolerate violence under the administration of Governor Alex Otti,” he concluded.