By Jude Opara, Abuja
The Forum of Former Members of Imo State House of Assembly (FOMIHA) has condemned the abduction of their colleague, Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, who represented Ihube constituency in Okigwe Local Government Area (LGA).
A statement issues Monday, Chairman of the group, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe said Ogbu, who recently lost his mother, was abducted while on his way to his community to consult on arrangements for her burial.
Nzekwe further frowned over a viral video which suggests the hostage was being kept in dehumanizing conditions and threats to his life.
“Just yesterday, a most disturbing video surfaced, showing him in a dehumanized condition, with his captors issuing chilling threats to take his life if certain conditions were not met.
“This development is not only heartbreaking but also totally unacceptable. Hon. Ogbu is a peaceful man, a lover of youths, and one who has over the years touched the lives of many young people across Okigwe. He bears no grudges against any group or individuals and does not deserve to go through this kind of avoidable agony—especially at this critical moment of mourning and given his fragile health condition.
“We in FOMIHA are calling on all men and women of goodwill, both within and outside Imo State, to rise in unison and act swiftly towards his immediate release. We particularly charge all security agencies operating in Imo to swing into full action and ensure that Hon. Ogbu regains his freedom within the shortest possible time. The world is watching Imo State.
“We are specifically appealing to His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, to deploy the full machinery of government to secure Hon. Ogbu’s release without further delay. This is a test of leadership, and history will not forgive inaction at such a critical moment”.
The statement added that Imo state cannot afford to let that ugly incidents of kidnapping and unprovoked killing to drag on, adding the the government must put every machinery in place to reverse the trend.
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