An indigene of Ebonyi state, Okekpa Udoka Ede, has cried out to the United Nations, the Department of State Security Service, the Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, Amnesty International,Human Rights Defenders – HURIDE, National Human Rights Commission, President Muhammadu Buhari, among others, over alleged plans by Ebubeagu operatives to abduct and torture him for speaking out on issues concerning Ebonyi state.
In a statement he signed and made available to Glonat Newsonline, Ede said the public notice is necessary because of the distress call he received, informing him not to attend his younger brother’s marriage introduction as Ebubeagu operatives have perfected plans to abduct him wherever he is seen in Ebonyi.
The statement reads in part: “I have it on a strong authority that the Ebubeagu militia in Ebonyi State is trailing and tracking to abduct me, torture me and dump me in the nearest police station. This would be followed by putting trumped up charges against me, arraigning me before their chosen magistrate court that would be sat upon by their chosen magistrate and possibly remanded in the prison, like they’ve always done to their innocent victims.
“This is necessary because of the distress call I received, informing me not to attend my younger brother’s marriage introduction which took place two days ago. The call came through a privileged information that plans had been perfected for the Ebubeagu militia to abduct me wherever I am seen.
“This is to notify the general public and especially relevant security agencies, that my life, that of my family and friends are in danger and unsafe, under the leadership of Engr. Dave Umahi as the Governor of the state. To this end, if anything happens to me, any of my family members and friends, the government of Ebonyi State and in extension, her Ebubeagu militia arm should be held responsible.
“I am a bonafide indigene of Ebonyi State, a stakeholder in my right in Ebonyi project and as such, I have the right to contribute to issues of public importance affecting the state. I am a well educated, tax compliant trader, currently based in Nasarawa state. I cannot allow myself to be cowed by the tyrannical approach to governance by the leadership of the state. My only crime is that I advocate for good governance.
“If I have done anything against the law of the land, I should be summoned within the ambit of the law. And as a law abiding citizen, I’ll always be available to respond to any call from relevant authorities.
“This press release serves as a formal notice to the general public that I am an endangered indigene under the watch of the current administration in Ebonyi State and I am appealing to the public and relevant security agencies to call the government to order.”