By SAMPSON Uhuegbu
The governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has promised to foot the medical bills of a military officer, Sergeant Amoke Gunshot Simeon who served in Abia between 2010 to 2014 and lead in the arrest of dreaded kidnap kingpin “OSISIKANKWU” who terrorized and held the state in captivity.
The Governor stated this during a meeting with the gallant soldier on Thursday, March 19th, in his Office offered to fly him abroad for medical attention, with the State catering for his treatment after involving in a motor accident.
Sergeant, Amoke Gunshot Simeon, hails from Nsukka, Enugu State served in Abia State between 2010 to 2014. Himself and his team dislodged OSISIKANKWU and his gang of criminal groups who terrorized the State and caused the exodus of people out of the State within that era.
Speaking in an interview with news men after meeting with the Governor, Staff Sergeant Amoke Gunshot Simeon said that he was involved in a a ghastly motor accident which left his leg broken
The soldier, who came with clutches accompanied by his care-giver and some former colleagues, narrated his ordeal and appreciated the Governor for coming to his rescue and offering to fly him abroad for proper medical attention. He said the accident occured while in active duty in the Northeast, after serving in Abia State and was deployed to the Northeast.
He said the accident was wrongly managed adding that he had no choice but proceed where the military are treating him noting that the Federal government Authority are all following up on his treatment.
“I’m so happy, I’m so excited that Governor Otti can remember those who fought in Abia State. And being remembered, it will motivate the other military men in Abia State to know that whenever you are working, take money aside and do the job they ask you to do.
“Governor Otti has promised me that whatever it will cost, to take me outside, they (Abia State government) will fund it and get me back on my feet. And I cannot stop being grateful to Abia State. I cannot stop thanking Abia State for remembering me through their very good Governor.,” Simeon stated.
He reitereted the role given to him and his team in the military during the terror days of kidnapping in Abia, the task of tracking kidnappers and criminals in Abia State to make the State safe and peaceful.
“So, that was the role. So, it’s a task given to us. I was not serving in the 144 Battalion. I was brought to join them, to work with them from August 2010.
“But, when we executed the assignment and achieved the victory (eliminating OSISIKANKWU and dislodging his terror group), the people were happy and celebrated. And today, Abia State is safer and have peace than before. So, I’m so happy,” he said.
He revealed that the then kidnapping kingpin, OSISIKANGWU, offered him 50 million Naira to allow him live and continue with his terror activities in Abia state.
“I was on a general patrol in Abia State. From Ngwa High School – Asa, from Asa – Onicha Ngwa, Ikot -Ekpene, almost everywhere in Abia State. That’s the full operation I was doing then.
“I was the officer, they promised money. I was the officer, they promised 50 million. That I should name my price. I said no.
“So, that’s what gave the people of Abia State joy to celebrate me. Dr Alex Otti is a very good Governor. Meeting him is like sitting beside my father. He gave me a listening ear. Honesty actually pays and I am a prove of that, you can use mine as an example. That after my good work in Abia State, it’s paying me today.
“And it’s making way for me, giving me more joy. And more happiness. Because if then, I had accepted what the criminals offered me.
