The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has been called upon to ensure that the abductors of a journalist and lawyer, Mathew Onwuasoanya.
The group, Awba-Ofemili League of Professionals (ALeP), made the call on Tuesday, via a statement signed by its national coordinator, Remmy Nweke, Esq.
Nweke appealed to Adamu to use his special squads to discover the whereabouts of the Anambra-based journalist, who also is a native of Awba-Ofemili and works with the state-owned National Light newspaper.
The ALeP recalled that a recent pronouncement from the leadership of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) confirmed that Onwuasoanya had gone missing after abductors allegedly dressed in security outfit stormed his residence in the early hours of May 30, 2020 in Awka and whisked him away.
The managing director of the newspaper, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, was quoted as saying: “we have been expecting the missing Onwuasoanya at work until his only brother, Oliver Onwuasoanya, arrived at our office on 8 June, 2020 to tell us that they have been searching for him.
“Thereafter, we commenced actions on the search for him, while his brother has lodged complaints at the Central Police Station in Awka and also with the office of the Commissioner of Police.”
According to the ALeP, Onwuasoanya’s neighbours had informed his brother that two vehicles – a white Hilux truck and a Highlander – were seen at about 2am on Saturday, 30 May, 2020, with men brandishing guns, who took him away.
ALeP joined the State NUJ Chairman and other well-meaning Nigerians to implore the IGP Adam to use his good offices in ensuring that Onwuasoanya is found and reunited with his family.
The group further urged natives of Awba-Ofemili in the Diaspora to ensure they join and remain active in the activities of Awba-Ofemili Development Unions (ADUs) nearest to them.
