Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has warned youths in Ohafia or any other part of the State who specialize in vandalism and theft of government and communal properties to desist from the ugly business or spend years in jail.

The Deputy Governor gave the warning during an interactive session with the youths and indigenes of Okon-Aku community in Ohafia over the recent incident of vandalism at Eastern Region Estate Investment ( EREI) where processing mills and tanks were dismantled for illegal sale.

The palm oil plantation was established in 1961 by the Eastern Region Estate Investment, EREI, during the regime of Dr. Michael Okpara, as the premier of the defunct Eastern region.

Addressing the youths of Okon on the matter, Emetu lamented that it was not only shameful but disgusting for a community leader to allegedly mastermind the vandalism and sale of government and community property for a peanut.

Emetu disclosed that arrangements were already in top gear by the Governor Alex Otti administration to revamp the oil settlement to create employment for the youths and generate revenue for the State.

Speaking to newsmen, a former President General of Okon Development Union, Ndukwe Iko expressed disappointment over the development.

He advised anyone who conceived such an idea to vandalize, loot and sell government property to desist forthwith.