Nearly two weeks after the abduction of Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, chairman of Jezco Group, one question has become impossible to ignore: Where is Jezco?
The Anambra State Government, the police, other security agencies and the Federal Government must answer this question.
Chief Ezeokafor is a septuagenarian businessman, an employer of labour and a contributor to the economy. Anywhere in the world, he qualifies as an illustrious citizen whose contributions should command the protection and respect of society.
Yet, nearly two weeks after he was reportedly abducted while heading to a prayer ground for his annual spiritual rejuvenation, the official silence surrounding his fate is disturbing.
Reports that his abductors initially demanded N700 million, which the family was reportedly willing to negotiate, before raising the demand to N1.5 billion and subsequently ceasing communication, make the situation even more alarming.
The silence from those expected to act is deafening.
We understand that security operations require discretion and that authorities may be working quietly to secure his release. But “we are working underground” cannot be an acceptable explanation indefinitely.
Almost two weeks is too long for the public and, more importantly, the family to remain without meaningful reassurance about the fate of their father.
This is not a routine crime that should be allowed to fade from public attention.
There is, however, another question that must not be ignored: Who knew that Chief Ezeokafor was leaving his residence without his usual security guards?
If, as reported, he normally moved with security personnel but happened to leave without them on the day he was abducted, those who knew about that unusual movement may have crucial information.
They may not necessarily be guilty of any wrongdoing, but they should be among the first people questioned by investigators. Who knew? Who saw him leave? Why was he without his security detail? And who else knew that he would be taking that route at that particular hour?
These questions should form part of a thorough investigation, without jumping to conclusions or accusing anyone without evidence.
Where is the man who left his home for a spiritual exercise and never returned? Where is the septuagenarian whose family is reportedly being confronted with a ransom demand running into billions of naira?And where are those whose constitutional responsibility is to protect citizens?
The immediate priority should not be the ransom figure but the safe return of the victim. Whether ransom is demanded or not, the state must demonstrate that criminals cannot simply abduct an elderly citizen and hold him indefinitely without consequence.
Chief Ezeokafor is 70-plus. At this stage of his life, after decades of enterprise and contribution to society, the best way to repay him is not to allow him to languish in the hands of his abductors.
The Anambra State Government must speak. The police must provide appropriate reassurance. Security agencies must intensify the search, while the Federal Government must ensure that every necessary resource is deployed to bring him home alive.
The family should not be left alone in this ordeal.
Jezco must not become another forgotten name in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis.
So, to the Anambra State Government, the police, security agencies and the Federal Government, we ask again: Where is Jezco—and what are you doing to bring him home?
Find Jezco. Bring him home.
