ACN alerts on kidnap of S’East party leader

[TGD]

• No word on abducted Anambra lawmaker

AN alarm was Wednesday raised by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that its Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Chudi Nwike, was on Tuesday kidnapped in Anambra State.

Meanwhile, four days after a member representing Onitsha South 1 constituency, in Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. Emeka Aniebonam was kidnapped at Onitsha, nothing has been heard about the lawmaker's whereabouts

In a statement in Lagos Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party quoted Nwike's younger brother, who has been contacted by him (Nwike), as saying the kidnappers are demanding N30 million (in foreign currency) as ransom.

''We appeal to the security agencies to do everything within their power to ensure Nwike's safe release, while assuring his family of our prayers and support at this very difficult time,'' the party said.

A family source said that the kidnappers had not contacted them as at the time of filing this report, adding that the House of Assembly was thrown into confusion when it heard the news.

Earlier, the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Mrs. Chinwe Nwebili called on security agencies to intensify the manhunt for Aniebonam, who has been a very strong member and voice in the chambers.

When contacted, the Police Area Commander in Onitsha, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, confirmed the incident, saying the command had mapped out strategies to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim unhurt.

He also called on members of the public to volunteer information to security agents in the state on the incident.

Aniebonam was abducted on Monday at his private clinic in Fegge, Onitsha.



The Guardian