FERMA’s South-East 2 Zonal Director, Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, issued the warning during an inspection of the project, cautioning against the burning of tyres during celebrations, which he said could damage the road surface.

He noted that destructive practices by some youths and community members often contribute to the early failure of road projects across the country.

“Our advice to road users, especially indigenes, is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or burn tyres in the name of celebration,” he said.

Omonowo said the Aba–Azumini highway was previously in a very bad condition before FERMA intervened, describing it as a death trap for commuters and residents.

He also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the project, adding that drainage structures such as catch pits would help prevent flooding and extend the lifespan of the road.

According to him, the highway serves as a major link between Aba, several Abia communities, and Cross River State, carrying heavy traffic daily.

He urged local construction firms to improve on quality delivery to compete effectively with foreign contractors.

Meanwhile, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Abia State, Festus Okafor, said FERMA workers have not faced harassment or violence from residents during operations in the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 13, 2026, while inmates were being conveyed from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum to Damaturu.

In a statement issued in Damaturu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Adamu, said the vehicle conveying the inmates was involved in a crash during the journey.

He said the accident happened while efforts were ongoing to rescue those affected.

The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, with prison number J/1539/24, who was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024.

The Correctional Service described him as dangerous and warned members of the public not to have any form of contact with him.

It urged residents to report any useful information that could lead to his re-arrest to the nearest security agency.

Authorities also cautioned that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence punishable under the law.

The incident reportedly occurred around midday on Wednesday when insurgents attempted to breach a military position in the community.

Security sources said troops engaged the attackers in a gunfight, during which several terrorists were also killed.

Describing the attack as tragic, Ndume called for stronger military action and improved equipment for security forces to tackle insurgency in the region.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise training, equipment, arms, and motivation for the armed forces, stressing that modern weaponry is essential to defeating terrorist groups.

Ndume also called for the deployment of advanced military hardware, including armoured vehicles, fighter jets, and drones, to strengthen counter-insurgency operations.

He commiserated with the families of the victims and commended the efforts of the military, police, Civilian Joint Task Force, and local vigilantes in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The senator further reiterated the need for sustained government support to security agencies to prevent further attacks and loss of lives in the region.