A devastating attack occurred in Anambra State, Nigeria, when gunmen loyal to detained Finland-based Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa attacked Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), and his family members.
According to Umeagbalasi, the first attack occurred on November 27, when gunmen shot sporadically and snatched his Mitsubishi Hilux car at gunpoint from his driver, Comrade Chike Umeh.
The vehicle was later recovered, but the gunmen seized it again, demanding N250,000 to release the vehicle and allow the funeral of Umeagbalasi’s father-in-law to proceed peacefully.
Tragically, the car was snatched again on December 5, between 7:30 am and 8 am, at Ezinifite (Amaekwulu) Roundabout in Ezinifite-Aguata area of Anambra State.
Umeagbalasi’s wife, Blessing; son, Chimdiebube, 4; house-girl, Somtochukwu Okafor, 13; and driver, Umeh, 55, were forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
The gunmen also snatched other private vehicles, including an SUV Prado Jeep and another jeep, and abducted their occupants.
The attackers operated for over eight hours, holding nine communities under siege.
The matter was reported at the Ekwulobia Police Division, and the Anambra State Police Command issued an official statement, confirming the recovery of a stolen blue Hilux vehicle.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law has written to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, seeking the release of the snatched vehicle and domestic items.
