Eight national officers of Nigeria's Scripture Union who were abducted by gunmen in Imo State on June 14 are still being held captive after 11 days, the organization confirmed on Thursday. The victims were returning from a national conference held at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State, when they were kidnapped along Orlu-Mgbidi Road while traveling to Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Police Confirm Abduction, Launch Manhunt
Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, confirmed the abduction to Premium Times but did not provide details. However, Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, earlier told reporters that the police had launched a manhunt for the abductors in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command. “We have commenced a thorough investigation in synergy with the Anambra State Police Command, because this incident happened at the boundary between Imo and Anambra states. There is a discreet investigation ongoing,” he stated.
Scripture Union Appeals to IGP
The National Headquarters of the Scripture Union in Ibadan wrote a letter dated June 16 to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, appealing for intervention. The letter, signed by Joseph Chijioke on behalf of the general director, identified the victims as three adult females and five males. The female victims are Oluwatomisin Abolarin, Ebenezer Ige, and Ola Ige. The male victims are Ernest Onyenagbagha, Elijah Chukwudi, Cosmas Udoh, Olumide Ayemobola, and Adekunle Jegede, the driver.
“We therefore respectfully request your immediate intervention for the rescue and release of the abducted persons. The incident has been reported to The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia. We are confident in the capacity and commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under your leadership to respond swiftly to this grave security situation,” Mr. Chijioke wrote.
Victims Still in Captivity After 11 Days
When contacted on Thursday, Mr. Chijioke confirmed that the victims were still in captivity as of that day. He said efforts were ongoing to rescue them but did not provide details. Okigwe is one of the local government areas in Imo State worst hit by insecurity in the South-east, with attacks linked to separatist groups and kidnappers worsening the security situation.
