Story from Abah ADAH, Abuja
Eighty-three-year old Madam Angelina Unaegbu, mother of a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Chizoba Vitus Unaegbu, who has been missing for about four (4) months now, has cried out to the Nigerian government and security agents in particular for the unconditional release of her son whether he is dead or alive.
Maxi Unaegbu, a native of Obinugwu Autonomous Community, in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, has not been seen since October 2021, when soldiers allegedly swooped on Orlu town and its environs and attacked some members of IPOB who had gathered from various places to hold a prayer vigil, in preparation for the six months burial memorial rites of one of their members, Ikedi Nwosu, that was killed by Nigerian security operatives in April 2021 at Mgbee Orlu.
Speaking with the press, Madam Unaegbu said her son who would be 51years this year was reported to have travelled to Orlu from his residence in Nasarawa State, to join other members of IPOB, and has not been seen since the attack by the Nigerian soldiers against the group.
She lamented that her other children had continued to convince her that her son was alive, but she has remained doubtful as she is yet to hear his voice or see him in person.
Efforts made by newsmen to reach one of Madam Unaegbu’s daughters living at Onitsha, to ascertain the true position of Mr Chizoba Vitus Unaegbu’s whereabouts were said to have been unsuccessful as her phone line was switched off.
The aged mother, who appears so pale and withdrawn since news of the disappearance of her son was broken to her, also demanded to be given an opportunity to have a chat with President Muhammadu Buhari over the matter.
“May God curse the day soldiers of the Nigerian Army invaded our sacred town Orlu, which have resulted in the disappearance of my son.
“May the Federal Government of Nigeria consider my age and find my son for me. I want to see my son either dead or alive,” she said.
According to an account, the coordinator of IPOB in Obinugwu, Kamtoochukwu Lezianya, was of the view that Mr Unaegbu was being considered a threat by the Nigerian government because he is dedicated to the actualisation of Biafra, and had always shown dedication to the liberation of Ndigbo.
“His constant criticisms and attacks on the dictatorial policies of the Nigerian government on issues of accountability and Rule of law may have led to his several arrests and detentions by the Nigerian security agents.
“This is why we hold the government accountable for his disappearance, just as they have also illegally arrested and detained other members of IPOB. They fear Mazi Unaegbu, because he is financially strong and supporting the cause of his people,” he said.
It was also gathered that Mazi Unaegbu’s paint-making factory in Umudioka Orlu was burnt down in July 2021, by unknown persons suspected to be agents of the Nigerian state.
Recall that Nigerian soldiers raided Orlu in search of members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives, the military arm of the IPOB, buildings were burnt and persons were killed in the ensuing clash.
Some days later, security forces re-invaded the area, and Nigerian Air Force planes and helicopters were deployed to search for ESN operatives in and around Orlu.
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