Human rights activist, Comrade Osita Obi, has issued a grave warning over the increasing number of mysterious disappearances in Anambra State, calling on both state and federal authorities to take immediate action to find those who have gone missing. Speaking at a press conference in Awka on February 4, Obi stated that the situation has reached a point where disappearances have become almost routine, with little or no effort from the authorities to solve the cases.
“It is becoming almost normal for people to vanish without a trace in Anambra, and life goes on as if nothing has happened,” Obi lamented. He emphasized that the ongoing wave of disappearances is not limited to people falling victim to kidnappers, but includes prominent individuals whose fates remain unknown. Obi singled out three missing persons, each of whom he claims has not been actively pursued by law enforcement.
Among those highlighted by Obi are Mr. Benjamin Ezemma, a prominent businessman and Vice Chairman of Dubai Estate, House of Assembly member Hon. Justice Azuka, and Obiora Agbasimalo, a candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election. These individuals, he pointed out, went missing at different times, but no concrete efforts have been made to track them down.
“The case of Mr. Benjamin Ezemma, a respected businessman known as Big Ben, is particularly worrying. He went missing on November 12, and to this day, there is no trace of him,” Obi explained. “We are not asking for much—just the basic efforts to track down the missing. We have the means at our disposal, including the National Identity Number (NIN) and SIM registration data. Why can’t these be utilized to help locate missing persons like Ben?”
Obi’s comments highlight what he perceives as a disturbing lack of accountability from the authorities tasked with ensuring public safety. He called on the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to act swiftly, warning that the absence of immediate action could lead to further public outrage.
“We know the government has the capacity to find this man,” Obi said passionately. “The question is, why is there no effort? Why are we left to fight for the search while the authorities remain silent?”
The activist voiced particular frustration with the Anambra State Police Command, which he accused of displaying “glaring incompetence.” He stressed that the state should not be a haven for police officers nearing retirement, who are often sent to work in Anambra only to pursue personal gains.
“The police in Anambra should not be a retirement home for officers who are only interested in making money. If this continues, we might have no choice but to protest,” Obi warned, his tone growing more resolute.
Despite his criticisms of the police, Obi expressed his gratitude toward the DSS, acknowledging their commitment to investigating the matter of Ezemma’s disappearance. However, he believes that more needs to be done to bring the missing individuals back to their families.
“I have seen some level of commitment from the DSS, and I applaud them for their efforts,” Obi said. “But we cannot let this issue slide under the rug. People are disappearing, and we must demand action. The police should be leading the charge, but instead, they seem to be dragging their feet.”
The activist’s call to action was not just a plea to authorities but also a challenge to the media and the public to keep the issue alive. He urged journalists to take a stronger interest in the case, warning that without consistent media coverage, the disappearances could be swept under the carpet, just like so many others in the past.
“This is not just about Ben Ezemma; it could be anyone of us next,” Obi cautioned. “We need to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders and law enforcement. We cannot afford to let these cases go unnoticed. It’s not just a tragedy for the families affected—it’s a tragedy for us all.”
The issue of missing persons in Anambra has been an ongoing concern, with numerous reports of kidnappings and abductions emerging from different parts of the state in recent years. The government, however, has been criticized for its lack of visible action to address the rising tide of insecurity.
In response to Obi’s comments, Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, Obi’s remarks are expected to draw attention to the urgent need for reforms in the state’s law enforcement agencies, particularly in how they handle cases of missing persons.
The disappearance of high-profile individuals such as Ezemma, Azuka, and Agbasimalo underscores the potential danger that the lack of a robust response system poses to both ordinary citizens and influential public figures. With no resolution in sight, activists and concerned citizens alike are rallying for immediate government intervention to stem the tide of abductions and bring justice to those who have disappeared.
As Obi concluded, “We are not asking for miracles; we are asking for basic security and accountability. We want to see action, not just words. Our loved ones deserve to come back home.”
