Abia State Arrests 109-Year-Old for Sanitation Breaches

On a Saturday in June, the Abia State Government conducted a sanitation enforcement exercise, resulting in the arrest of 66 individuals, including 109-year-old Akara seller Chidinma Eluwa. The enforcement was prompted by low compliance among residents, with seven individuals discharged and nine assigned community service.

Philemon Ogbonna, representing the state's environmental health department, noted the decline in sanitation activities over the past three months, leading to increased waste accumulation, particularly in Ori Ugba Market. He urged local government chairmen to mobilize residents for daily cleaning efforts.

Kalu Mba Nwoke, a member of the Abia State House of Assembly, attributed the poor compliance to inactivity in sanitation exercises. Yaro Danladi, chairman of the Northern Traditional Council in Abia State, reaffirmed community support for the monthly sanitation initiative, emphasizing its importance in preventing disease spread and promoting a cleaner environment.

Governor Alex Otti called for a focus on delivering good governance and improving public health through active participation in sanitation.