Renowned human rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi and his family have become the latest victims of gun violence in Anambra State.
The chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) shared the terrifying ordeal that unfolded on November 27.
Gunmen opened fire on his Mitsubishi Hilux truck, which was being driven by his associate, Comrade Chike Umeh.
The attackers forcibly seized the vehicle, leaving the occupants in shock and fear.
Umeagbalasi explained that the stolen vehicle was initially recovered but was taken again under violent circumstances.
The second attack occurred at the Ezinifite Roundabout in Aguata Local Government Area.
This time, the gunmen escalated their operation by targeting his family members.
They forced Umeagbalasi’s wife, Blessing, their four-year-old son, Chimdiebube, and a 13-year-old house help, Somtochukwu Okafor, out of the car at gunpoint.
The family’s driver, Comrade Umeh, aged 55, was also violently removed from the vehicle.
Speaking about the ordeal, Umeagbalasi described it as a nightmare that has shaken his family to the core.
“This is not just about losing property. My wife, my little son, and my housegirl had guns pointed at them,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The gunmen reportedly demanded a ransom of N250,000 for the release of the vehicle and the family’s safety during a funeral they were attending.
Umeagbalasi stated that the attackers also hijacked other vehicles in the area on the same day.
Among these were a Prado SUV and other cars, whose occupants were abducted during the violent spree.
Residents of Aguata Local Government Area revealed that nine communities were effectively held under siege for over eight hours.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos and fear as the gunmen blocked roads, hijacked vehicles, and terrorized travelers.
One community member described the incident as “an invasion that left everyone hiding for their lives.”
The attack was promptly reported to the Ekwulobia Police Division, but the initial response did little to stop the gunmen’s activities.
Intersociety later wrote a formal letter to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, urging swift action.
The human rights organization called for the immediate recovery of the stolen vehicle and other domestic items seized during the attack.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the blue Hilux truck was eventually recovered.
However, concerns remain over the rising wave of insecurity in the region.
In the aftermath of the attack, Umeagbalasi and his organization remain resolute in their advocacy for justice and accountability.
“The voices of the oppressed will not be silenced by guns,” Umeagbalasi declared.