The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Umuahia Zone, has strongly condemned what it described as an unwarranted attack on members of its monitoring team while on duty.
In a statement personally signed by the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA, Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, the agency expressed deep disappointment over the unprovoked assault allegedly carried out by a former monitoring officer, Odinaka Joseph, popularly known as “De Senator,” in Umuahia.
ASEPA recalled that its former monitoring team, including Mr. Joseph, was officially disbanded on January 15, 2026, after which a new, credible 10-man monitoring team was constituted to carry out the agency’s operations.
The agency further clarified that Mr. Joseph, identified as the alleged perpetrator of the attack, was no longer authorized to operate on behalf of ASEPA, having been removed from the monitoring unit prior to the incident.
Reiterating its operational guidelines, ASEPA emphasized that its monitoring officers do not carry or brandish weapons in the course of their duties. The agency therefore called on relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that appropriate action is taken against those responsible.
ASEPA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining environmental standards in Abia State and urged the public to support its lawful operations.
