PRELATE ABDUCTION: PROF IBE ADVOCATES INCREASED PARTICIPATION OF VIGILANCE GROUPS.

Chinwe Ugele, Umuahia

Chancellor of Gregory University Uturu and APGA gubernatorial candidate in Abia state, Prof Gregory Ibe has expressed joy at the release of the Prelate of Methodist Church Bishop Samuel Kalu Uche and two others by kidnappers.

According to Prof Ibe “When the news broke on Sunday of the kidnapping of the Prelate, who happens to be my revered senior at Ihube High School, it became a kill joy development that doused celebrations of my victory at the just concluded gubernatorial primary election of APGA. Therefore my joy knows no bounds hearing of his release in good health.”

Prof Ibe stated that the issue of insecurity especially around the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi axis has become a nagging problem that must be urgently addressed to curb the incessant kidnappings happening within the area.

He urged state governments in the South East to formally incorporate local vigilance groups in their security infrastructure while pledging to declare state of emergency on security if elected governor in the 2023 general elections.

“Increasingly insecurity is becoming an issue of great concern, especially within the Isuikwuato Umunneochi axis of our state. It is a menace that has the potential of threatening our economy and the education sector seriously if left unchecked. I therefore want to enjoin the governments of the South East particularly to formally incorporate local vigilante groups in their security architecture in order to check this ugly trend.”

Prelate of the Methodist Church and two others were abducted last Sunday while on a journey from Okigwe to Umunneochi by persons alleged to be herdsmen as confirmed by the former upon release. They were however released after the payment of N100M as ransom by the church.