PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a fervent display of unity, the residents of Ekinigbo Town, encompassing communities like Ngbuadu, Nguesilaru, Nkpolu, Rumu-omi, and Rumu-Orosi, took to the streets, demanding justice for the abduction of their sons, Comr. Bobby Ezekiel and Mr. Chamberlain Owhonda. The duo was forcefully taken in front of the Police HQ in Abuja on October 26, after an interview with a senior police officer assigned by the IGP.
The protesters, including traditional rulers, men, women, and youths, voiced their grievances through war songs, expressing deep resentment over the unsettling incident. Despite two weeks passing, the whereabouts of the abducted individuals remain unknown.
The demonstrators, marching through major roads and junctions of the Rumuigbo clan, ultimately convened at the Nkpolu playground to hold a press briefing.
During the briefing, Eze Prof. Reginald Amadi, the Paramount Ruler, detailed the abduction, asserting that proteges of Chief Tony Okocha, namely Chief Billy Owhonda, Mr. Nyekwere Chindah, Mr. Otu Michael Nwosu, and Mr. Roland Amaehule, supervised and identified the victims. These individuals had earlier submitted a petition to the IGP against some leaders of Ekinigbo Town.
Expressing disbelief at the audacity of such an act transpiring in front of the police headquarters, Eze Prof. Reginald Amadi called upon the Police High Commission to expedite actions leading to the release of the abductees. He urged his subjects to remain calm, trusting the police to fulfill their duty in securing the release of their sons.
The youth leadership echoed their elders’ sentiments, condemning the inhumane act and expressing bitterness towards the alleged masterminds—Chief Tony Okocha’s proteges. Evangelist Confidence Nyege, the secretary of Nkpolu Rumuigbuo youth organization, emphasized the community’s commitment to peace, guided by the counsel of their chiefs and elders.
In an emotional plea, Mrs. Sarima, the wife of Comr. Bobby, recounted her husband’s concerns about threats on his life by Chief Tony Okocha. Tearfully urging the unconditional release of her innocent husband, she insisted that if he is guilty of any wrongdoing, he should face a court trial rather than being held incommunicado.
It is noteworthy that Chief Tony Okocha, the estranged former Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi during his second tenure as Governor, has recently been appointed as the state Commissioner on the yet-to-be-inaugurated NDDC Board.
