By George Ozalla
A disturbing trend of kidnappings has continued to spark widespread debates and concern across the nation. One of the latest victims still in captivity is Mr. Emmanuel Ofobrukueta, a retiree of the Post-Primary Education Board (PPEB) in Asaba, Delta State.
Ofobrukueta was abducted by armed men on January 13, 2025, right in front of his house at Mosagar, near Sapele in Delta State. Despite some perceived efforts by the Delta State Police Command to rescue him, Ofobrukueta has been held captive for over two months to date.
Frank Tietie Esq., Principal Partner of Forthright Chambers and Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social Economic Rights (CASER), has condemned the Delta State Police Command’s inability to track and rescue the kidnapped victim, calling it “worrisome and a huge embarrassment.”
Tietie explained, “We are using this case to highlight that many families across the country are going through the pain and anguish of having loved ones in kidnappers’ dens. Mr. Emmanuel Ofobrukueta is one such case.”
Tietie, authorized by Ofobrukueta’s family to speak on their behalf, revealed that the family has spent over 4 million naira in ransom payments, yielding no positive results.
“Our concern is that a responsible government must account for each citizen. Nobody should be forgotten. If the kidnappers have outsmarted the police, it’s not an excuse to abandon Mr. Ofobrukueta. It appears they have lost hope and interest.”
Tietie emphasized the need for urgent action.
According to a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbekotun, made available to pressmen during a media briefing on Friday, “Some family members believe that analyzing post-kidnap events, particularly ransom payments and intelligence from a private tracking company, suggests a possible network involving close associates, ransom bearers, and kidnappers, working together to keep him captive.”
The petition concludes, “We request your intervention to organize a special police effort to unravel the kidnapping and rescue the victim. The Delta State Police Command seems overwhelmed by the kidnappers’ tactics.”
