..demand urgent clarification
The leaders of thought in Osokwa in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, represented by Osokwa Peoples Forum, have appealed to the state government and security agencies to urgently clarify that wasted kidnappers were not in their community.
The leaders asked the state to assist correct the impression that the kidnap victims rescued by security agencies in the state at the weekend were kept in Osokwa.
In a special broadcast at the weekend, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, had announced that four persons kidnapped last week Obingwa Local Government had been rescued in Osokwa, a town in Osisioma Local Government Area.
The Governor also announced that six of the kidnappers were neutralized during a gun battle with security agencies.
In a letter submitted to the Chairman of Osisioma Local Government, Hon. Chidi Agu, for onward delivery to the State Governor, and signed by Chairman of Osokwa Peoples Forum, Dr. Prince Kingsley Mgbeahuru and Secretary, Mr Obinna Otuonye; with HRH, Eze Ferdinand Azubuike of Akpaa 1 Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Ngozi Peter of Amankwu Osokwa Autonomous Community, representing the eight communities in Osokwa town, they made a clarification that the reported incident happened in a place called Obekwesu Aro, in Obi Arongwa Autonomous Community.
Osokwa Peoples Forum noted that the area of incident is not related in any way to Osokwa, neither historically nor politically.
Osokwa is Osisioma Ward 6, while Obi Arongwa is Osisioma Ward 4. “They happen to have a common boundary in one part with a community in Osokwa”.
The Forum commended the Governor for various developmental initiatives, especially the focus on security of lives and properties, and pledged their support his efforts.
They pointed out that Osokwa is a peace-loving and indeed peaceful community desiring development in all areas and therefore would not tolerate or harbour criminals like kidnappers.
They expressed the hope that appropriate arms government as well as security agencies will take note of the correction and as well correct the wrong impression created about Osokwa in the report.