Eight national officers of Nigeria’s Scripture Union are still with gunmen in Imo State.
The victims were taken while returning from a Scripture Union national conference at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State.
Scripture Union is a Christian movement focused on helping children and young people.
This incident happened on 14 June along Orlu-Mgbidi Road as the victims traveled from Okigwe to Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
What the police said
On Thursday, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the abduction to PREMIUM TIMES but did not share more details.
Earlier, Deputy Superintendent Okoye told reporters that the Imo police have started a manhunt for the kidnappers, working with their colleagues in Anambra State to rescue the victims.
“We have started a thorough investigation with the Anambra State Police Command because this incident occurred at the boundary between Imo and Anambra states. There is a discreet investigation ongoing,” he said.
Scripture Union writes IGP
The National Headquarters of the Scripture Union in Ibadan sent a letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, asking for help.
The letter, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, was dated 16 June and signed by Joseph Chijioke, who wrote on behalf of the general director.
Mr Chijioke stated that the victims are national officers of the Scripture Union and were taken by “unknown armed persons” while traveling from Imo State to Ibadan.
He mentioned that the group includes three adult females and five males.
The three female victims are Oluwatomisin Abolarin, Ebenezer Ige, and Ola Ige.
The five males are Ernest Onyenagbagha, Elijah Chukwudi, Cosmas Udoh, Olumide Ayemobola, and Adekunle Jegede, who is the driver.
Mr Chijioke urged the IGP to help secure the immediate release of the victims.
“We therefore respectfully request your immediate intervention for the rescue and release of the abducted persons.
“The incident has been reported to The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia.
“We trust in the Nigeria Police Force’s ability to respond quickly to this serious security issue,” he said.
Still in captivity after 11 days
On Thursday, Mr Chijioke told PREMIUM TIMES that the victims were still in captivity.
He added that efforts to rescue them are ongoing but did not provide more details about these efforts.
Okigwe is one of the local government areas in Imo State facing serious security challenges in South-east Nigeria. The incident took place on 14 June along Orlu-Mgbidi Road while the victims were on their way from Okigwe to Ibadan.
Kidnappings and attacks linked to separatist groups have worsened the security situation in this area and the region.
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