Kidnapping in Ika land, comprising of Ika South and
Ika North East Local Government
Areas has assumed a very devastating and worrisome dimension, and so has the
issue of cultism and cult related activities including wanton murder and raping
of women.
In recent times, many illustrious sons and daughters
of Ika extraction including businessmen, professionals and doctors have been
kidnapped for the purpose of ransom taking. Not even Ika indigenes in Diaspora
have been spared. It appears that a network of kidnappers have made Ika land a
lucrative target. Among those that have been kidnapped recently are: Dr. H.C Nwaigbo of Awele Hospital, Agbor, Mr.
Caesar Mahiagu (MD/CEO of Victory Bread), Two Ex-chairmen of Ika South Local
Government Area, Hon Sunny Ogwu and Hon Ibude Hilary, Mr. Ukperegbu Ogbori (MD/CEO of Oxford
Bread), Mrs. Gina Okolie, Mr. S.T.C Otalor (Filling Station Owner/Manager), Mrs. Helen Orie, Mrs. Charles
Nenyiaba, and the most devastating of all, is that of Mr. Atusaka who lost his
life in the process. His corpse was buried without the knowledge of members of
his family.
You will recall that when Chief Arthur Okowa (snr) was
kidnapped, investigations revealed that known sons of some highly placed
politicians in Ika land were involved, and we therefore have the strong belief
that those behind the incessant kidnappings in Ika land have a good number of
Ika indigenes among them, and these are their informants and point men, who
know the financial capacity of their targets.
The Seals Association of Nigeria is therefore using
this medium to draw the attention of all the security apparatus of government
in Delta state especially, and Nigeria in general; to the deplorable security
situations in Ika land despite the fact that we have two Divisional Police
commands in our land. However, it appears that the police are seriously
handicapped in these commands, Agbor and Owa – Oyibu, in the area’s of
functional and adequate vehicles, equipment and communication gadgets as well
as effective man power. Our appeal therefore goes to well meaning and well
placed Ika indigenes, the several banks located in Ika land, business Moguls
and other interested parties to extend a hand of assistance in this regard, as
we vouch to make concerted effort to help.
Ika communities are crying out to the Delta State
Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta State House of Assembly members
representing the two local governments in question, the Representatives of Ika
federal constituency and the distinguished Senator representing Delta North,
the Commissioner of police, Delta State command, the two divisional police
officers in charge, and most importantly, the State, Federal government and the
Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite and intensify efforts to root out
these hoodlums. They have become a serious threat to strangers, Ika indigenes
resident in and outside Ika land, who dare not come home for fear of being
kidnapped. Business owners are also relocating rapidly and this holds a bleak
and dangerous consequence for Ika land in the near future. We call on the Royal
fathers of the land, the committee of Obi’s across Ika land to quickly come
together and perform traditional rites to place eternal and indelible curses on
any Ika sons and daughters that involve themselves in the act of kidnapping. We
need Ika land to return to its former glory of serenity, safety and friendliness
to strangers and business owners alike.
Cc: HE, The
Executive Governor of Delta
State
Senator Okowa I. Arthur
Honorable Nwokolo Victor
Inspector General of Police Abuja
Commissioner of Police, Delta State
Command
Divisional Police Officer, Agbor
Divisional Police Officer , Owa Oyibu
Signed:
The Seals Association of Nigeria, Lagos
Chief Egwn Nwachukwu
Press Secretary, Lagos
Leave a Reply