The anguish of a father has become a boiling point for tension in Anambra State, as Chief Benjamin Nwosu of Umuokeh, Imo State, accuses the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) of negligence following the disappearance of his son, Ekene Valentine Benjamin, during an anti-gunmen operation in August 2024.
The case has spiraled into a heated clash between Nwosu and the AVG, with accusations flying on both sides.
A Father’s Ordeal
Chief Nwosu, speaking to SaharaReporters, recounted how his 25-year-old son Ekene, who had served in the AVG for three years, vanished after an August 9 phone call. His last contact revealed nothing amiss, but days later, Nwosu’s world turned upside down when calls to his son went unanswered.
“I called Chidera, a friend of my son who introduced him to the AVG, and he confirmed Ekene was sent on an operation,” Nwosu said. “The others returned safely, but my son didn’t.”
Desperate for answers, Nwosu traveled to Anambra to meet AVG General Commandant, Chief Ihenko Chinenye, popularly known as Okpompi. However, the meeting left him disheartened.
“All he said was that my son went on an errand. He claimed not to know if Ekene was dead or alive,” Nwosu lamented.
AVG’s Side of the Story
Okpompi confirmed Ekene’s disappearance but dismissed allegations of negligence, claiming the operation was dangerous and resulted in casualties. “Another vigilante member died that day, and others narrowly escaped,” he explained.
However, the Commandant also criticized Nwosu’s approach, accusing him of escalating the issue unnecessarily.
“That man doesn’t understand anything,” Okpompi said angrily. “Instead of cooperating with us, he went to the State CID to petition. If he wants to report to Abuja, let him go ahead. I know we didn’t kill his son.”
Mounting Frustration
Chief Nwosu filed a petition with the Anambra State Commissioner of Police on September 20, seeking official intervention. Despite directives from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to involve the AVG leadership, Nwosu claims the vigilante officials failed to honor police invitations.
“The DCP told me to pray and asked the AVG to search for my son till December, but nothing has happened,” Nwosu revealed.
Okpompi, however, insists the AVG has been actively searching for Ekene, suggesting multiple possibilities for his disappearance.
“It’s possible he was abducted by gunmen or even joined them,” Okpompi speculated. “These boys sometimes perform magic in such situations.”
A War of Words
The standoff has escalated into a bitter exchange, with Okpompi accusing Nwosu of creating unnecessary noise instead of collaborating with the AVG.
“Is this how a father should behave?” Okpompi asked. “We have written officially to the police and spent so much money searching for the boy. His accusations are unfair.”
The vigilante leader also disclosed that Ekene’s salary had continued to be paid to his father since the disappearance, questioning Nwosu’s intentions.
“If soldiers lose a member in war, do you sue the army?” he argued.
A Cry for Accountability
For Nwosu, however, the unanswered questions remain overwhelming. He criticized the lack of transparency in AVG’s handling of his son’s case and expressed frustration at the slow pace of investigation.
“I am not accusing anyone falsely, but my son has been missing for months. Is it wrong to demand accountability?” Nwosu asked.
AVG Under Scrutiny
The incident has spotlighted the challenges faced by vigilante groups in Nigeria, which often operate with limited oversight. AVG, like other local security outfits, plays a crucial role in combating insecurity, especially in regions plagued by gunmen and criminal activities. However, cases like Ekene’s raise concerns about operational safety and accountability.
As the search for Ekene drags on, the situation remains tense. Nwosu has vowed not to relent until he uncovers the truth, while the AVG insists it is doing everything possible to resolve the case.
Meanwhile, legal experts have suggested that Nwosu may pursue further action, including reporting to higher authorities.
For Chief Nwosu, the hope of finding his son alive diminishes with each passing day. “I just want to know the truth,” he said. “Is that too much to ask?”
