A family from Amagu Ishiagu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is seeking the help of authorities in locating their missing son, David Ogbonnaya. According to his brother, Abel Ogbonnaya, David’s disappearance occurred on March 5, 2024, during a land dispute between Kingdom College in Arochukwu Local Government Area and Ndiokorie Abam community.
Abel pleaded with the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Egbetokun, and the governors of Abia and Ebonyi states to expedite actions to find his brother, dead or alive. He revealed that during the attack, about eight students went missing, and while six were released and one corpse recovered, David remains unaccounted for.
The family has sought support from various authorities, including Governor Francis Nwifuru, the traditional ruler of Amagu, Eze Dominic Alo, and the Majority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Uchenna Kalu. However, despite these efforts, David’s whereabouts remain unknown.
In a disturbing twist, a Police officer investigating the matter was attacked and kidnapped by Ndiokorie Abam youths, but was later rescued by the Nigerian Army. The incident highlights the complexity and sensitivity of the land dispute.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged the existence of investigation teams at the Force Headquarters, while the spokesperson of Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, assured that the state command would investigate the matter.
Rt. Hon. Uche Ogah, representing Ezza South/Ikwo federal constituency, promised to liaise with his Abia State counterpart to resolve the issue. The Majority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Uchenna Kalu, confirmed the incident and revealed that the land dispute started over 15 years ago.
The family’s plea for help has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals caught in the midst of land disputes. As the search for David Ogbonnaya continues, authorities must prioritize finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute and ensuring justice for the affected families.
