Elderly akara seller among 66 arrested for sanitation violations in Abia
The Abia State Government has arrested 66 people, including a 109-year-old akara seller, for failing to comply with the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Ma Chidinma Eluwa, the elderly vendor, was released without a fine after assuring authorities of future compliance. Officials expressed concern over declining participation, blaming months without sanitation activities for worsening waste problems in markets. Community leaders and government officials are urging residents to treat cleanliness as a daily duty and support ongoing sanitation efforts.
What we know
- Ma Chidinma Eluwa, a 109-year-old akara seller, was among those arrested but was discharged without a fine.
- Out of 66 defaulters, seven were released due to health and student-related reasons, while nine performed community service.
- Officials noted that the sanitation exercise had not been held for the past three months, leading to increased refuse in markets.
- The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, warned that stricter enforcement may be necessary due to low compliance.
- Community leaders, including Alhaji Yaro Danladi, reaffirmed support for the sanitation initiative and urged collective participation for public health.
