Gunmen attack human rights leader and family in Anambra
Awka – Renowned human rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi, chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), and his family were attacked by gunmen in Anambra State.
Umeagbalasi reported that the first assault occurred on November 27 when gunmen opened fire and forcibly seized his Mitsubishi Hilux truck from his driver, Comrade Chike Umeh. Although the vehicle was initially recovered, it was stolen again by the gunmen, who demanded a ransom of N250,000 for its release and for the peaceful continuation of a family funeral.
The gunmen, after taking the vehicle a second time at the Ezinifite Roundabout in Aguata Local Government Area, forced Umeagbalasi’s wife, Blessing, their 4-year-old son Chimdiebube, housegirl Somtochukwu Okafor, 13, and the driver Umeh, 55, out of the car at gunpoint.
Reports indicate that on the same day, the gunmen also hijacked several other vehicles, including a Prado SUV, and abducted their occupants. The gunmen held nine communities in the area under siege for over eight hours.
The incident was reported to the Ekwulobia Police Division, and the Anambra State Police Command later confirmed the recovery of the stolen blue Hilux truck.
Intersociety has written to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, requesting the return of the stolen vehicle and other domestic items.
