A human rights group, United Action against Corruption and Injustice International (UACI), Ebonyi State chapter has expressed concern over the rising incidence of kidnapping in the South-East.
Chairman of the UACI, Mr. Okosisi Eburu, said through a statement in Abakiliki on Thursday that the Federal Government should double its efforts towards stamping out the menace which has become a very lucrative venture in the region.
Okosisi pointed out that kidnapping had become problematic and a nightmare to most communities in the country, stressing that if urgent steps were not taken by the authorities, the situation would degenerate.
He added that more actions and commitments would be required not only from the security agencies but by every right thinking citizen of Nigeria, adding that this was the right time for all to stand against the ugly situation.
His words, “This menace was formerly greater and well experienced in the Niger Delta area where militants abduct oil workers. Now, it has become more pronounced in the south-eastern states. There is hardly any week that passes without one or more persons being reported missing.”
The human rights activist noted that two weeks ago, an expatriate working with a construction company was kidnapped in Ebonyi State and was rescued by the state police command, while two Chinese were kidnapped in Anambra State and brought to Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South of the state.