Worrying Situation in Imo State: Family of Abducted Correctional Officer in Distress....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A troubling situation has emerged in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria, where Mr. Christian Okunwa, an Assistant Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), was abducted from his office on December 2, 2023. Nearly nine months after the incident, Mr. Okunwa’s whereabouts remain unknown, despite the payment of a ransom, raising significant concerns about his family’s well-being.

The NCoS’s alarming decision to threaten eviction of Mr. Okunwa’s wife and their four children from their barracks has added to the family’s distress during this challenging time. This development highlights the vulnerabilities faced by law enforcement personnel and their families in Nigeria, a nation grappling with rampant kidnapping and insecurity.

Information gathered by SaharaReporters reveals that the situation is dire for Mr. Okunwa’s family. One of his children shared their story, detailing the harrowing experience of the abduction. “My father was kidnapped at his station in Okigwe, Imo State,” the child stated. They learned of the abduction after a colleague reached out, prompting the family to pay the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

Despite providing the Nigerian Correctional Service with the kidnappers’ contact information and the account number used for the ransom payment, the family claims they have received no assistance. “The Service has long moved on and never did anything. We have been struggling,” the child lamented. With a 15-year-old sibling and no income, the family’s situation is precarious, exacerbated by the threat of eviction.

When contacted, Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, dismissed claims that the agency had abandoned the family. He stated, “The service is not silent on the unfortunate incident.” Umar emphasized that there is ongoing collaboration among security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, to locate Mr. Okunwa.

He explained that the NCoS refrains from sharing specific operational details until they have successfully resolved the case. Regarding the family’s eviction threats, Umar stated, “I am not aware of that, so I cannot speak on that, but I will reach out to the PRO in Imo State for more information.”

This troubling incident underscores the urgent need for government authorities to take decisive action to secure Mr. Okunwa’s safe return. It also highlights the necessity for adequate support for the families of law enforcement personnel who face risks daily. Ensuring the safety and welfare of these families is crucial, particularly in a country where insecurity continues to threaten lives.