Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo has expressed deep concern over the escalating acts of criminality in the Southeast region, urging governments at all levels to look beyond the activities of IPOB, ESN, and the so-called unknown gunmen to address the menace.
Dr. Obidigbo specifically lamented the recent abduction of 75-year-old Anglican Archbishop, Rev. Godwin Okpala, describing the rising wave of kidnappings, particularly in Anambra State, as a catalyst for forced migrations from the Southeast.
He criticized the inability of Southeast states to effectively enforce measures, such as death sentences for kidnappers, to protect citizens.
“The prolonged stay of Archbishop Okpala in the kidnappers’ den at this point in time, with the yuletide celebrations approaching, represents the worst form of wickedness and negative advertisement of Southeast as a troubled region,” he said.
Dr. Obidigbo warned of the damaging perception of the Southeast as unsafe, stating:
“So, gradually the Southeast is being sold to the world as a house of exile. Many well-meaning citizens and businesses are fleeing from the region. It is disheartening that the Federal and State governments have not been able to find solutions to this troubling menace.”
He called on Southeast governors, political officeholders, and traditional institutions to set aside petty politics and collaborate in addressing the root causes of kidnapping. He questioned how criminals could operate so freely despite advancements in technology.
“By now, the Southeast governors with political officeholders and traditional institutions should push petty politics aside and work together to unearth the root causes of this new evil trade. How can kidnappers be having a field day, kidnapping hapless citizens and collecting huge ransom in this day and age of improved technology?”
He urged both federal and state governments to take decisive action:
“Time has come for both the federal and state governments to say that enough is enough and put a permanent end to stealing and seizing of human adults for the sake of collecting ransom. It seems to me that there is a grand plan to turn Southeast into an uninhabitable desert.”
Highlighting the primary responsibility of governments to secure and protect lives, Dr. Obidigbo appealed to the kidnappers to release the retired Archbishop, emphasizing the need for humanity and compassion.
He concluded by urging citizens to rise in collective action against violent crimes, stating that protecting lives should remain the foremost duty of any responsible government.
