Gunmen attack human rights leader, family in Anambra

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By Madu Obi

Gunmen have attacked a renowned human rights activist, Emeka Umeagbalasi, who is chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), and his family members.

Umeagbalasi said 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 his father-in-law to proceed peacefully.

According to Umeagbalasi, the car was snatched again at Ezinifite Roundabout in Aguata local government area, adding that his wife, Blessing; son, Chimdiebube, 4; house-girl, Somtochukwu Okafor, 13; and driver, Umeh, 55, were forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint.

It was gathered that on the same day, the gunmen also snatched other private vehicles, including an SUV Prado Jeep and another jeep, and abducted their occupants and operated for over eight hours, holding nine communities in the area under siege.

The matter was subsequently 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 also written to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, seeking the release of the snatched vehicle and domestic items.