From Nonye Udumiri, Aba
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has urged the state governments of Abia and Imo to make known to the public the whereabouts of other persons taken hostage alongside the three students of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU).
News Echo reports that Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) is located in the town of Uturu in Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State which has a common boundary with Okigwe, the third largest city in Imo State after Owerri and Orlu.
Recall that Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu had recently announced that the only remaining student of ABSU in the kidnappers den has been rescued and reunited with her parents.
It will also be recalled that Abia Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu while informing citizens on how the incident occurred said that on Wednesday, 5th May, a Sienna vehicle conveying passengers, including students of ABSU and two other private vehicles conveying yet to be identified passengers were intercepted in Okigwe in Imo State by kidnappers.
However, while people have been celebrating the release and rescue of the ABSU student following the initial escape of the other two on the day of their kidnap, one question begging for answer is the whereabouts of the other kidnap victims.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD said that it is the responsibility of Imo and Abia State government within whose space the incident happened to make known to the public the conditions of other hostages. Nwafor said that it is of utmost importance that cases concerning the other victims are raised since the two state governments together with the university authorities, security agencies and locals worked towards ensuring the release of the students.
He said that same measure should be extended to these other unnamed victims, as they too have rights to freedom as humans. FENRAD thanked government of Abia State and Imo State for the rescue or release of the ABSU student, describing it as cheering news. Nwafor however reiterated that the two governments should use same manner to ensure safe return of the other victims or at least explain the latest as it may have to do with their whereabouts.
