The family of a missing man, David Ogbonnaya, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Egbetokun, and the governors of Abia and Ebonyi states to expedite efforts in locating their son, dead or alive. David has been missing since March 5, 2024, following a violent land dispute between Kingdom College, Ozuabam, and the Ndiokorie Abam community, both in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Incident
According to David’s brother, Abel Ogbonnaya, the disappearance occurred during an attack by youths from Ndiokorie Abam on the school’s farm. During the incident, eight students working on the farm went missing. Security agencies later intervened, leading to the release of six students and the recovery of one corpse, identified as a student from Awkuzu, Anambra State. However, David, who was 30 years old at the time, remains unaccounted for.
The family, supported by the traditional ruler of Amagu, Eze Dominic Alo, has written to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, as well as other authorities, seeking assistance in finding David. Despite these efforts, progress has been slow, leaving the family in anguish.
Appeals and Concerns
Abel Ogbonnaya expressed frustration with the lack of significant action, noting that the situation has been brought to the attention of numerous officials, including:
- Rt. Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency.
- Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, representing Ezza South/Ikwo federal constituency.
- Uchenna Kalu, Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly.
- Linus Nto, Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.
- Eze Dominic Alo, traditional ruler of Amagu in Ebonyi State.
Abel emphasized the family’s urgent plea: “We are appealing to Governors Alex Otti and Francis Nwifuru, the Police, and all concerned authorities to help us in locating our son’s whereabouts, dead or alive.”
Police and Government Reactions
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged the investigation but withheld further comments, stating that the matter was under review at the Force Headquarters. Abia State Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the issue was beyond the state command’s jurisdiction but assured a thorough investigation.
Abia State Majority Leader, Uchenna Kalu, also confirmed the incident, noting the longstanding nature of the land dispute, which has spanned over 15 years. He disclosed that both parties reported attacks during the March 5 clash. Kalu further stated that the matter had been escalated to Abia Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who oversees boundary issues, and that peace and security meetings were held to reduce tension.
Violence During Investigations
The search for David has been marred by further violence. A police officer dispatched from the Force Headquarters to investigate the matter was attacked by Ndiokorie Abam youths, sustaining machete injuries before being rescued by officers from the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade in Ohafia.
The Way Forward
Despite the challenges, efforts to resolve the crisis and locate David are ongoing. Officials like Rt. Hon. Uche Ogah have pledged to collaborate with counterparts in Abia State to address the matter. Meanwhile, the family remains steadfast in their appeal for justice and closure, urging all stakeholders to intensify their efforts.
The case highlights the devastating impact of protracted land disputes on families and communities, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action by authorities to ensure justice and restore peace. As the Ogbonnaya family awaits answers, the broader community looks to the involved parties for resolution and accountability.
