Gov. Soludo and Security Agencies Urged to Locate Missing Businessman Benjamin Ezemma
AWKA/Nigeria: Comrade Osita Obi has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Nigerian security agencies to intensify efforts to locate 34-year-old businessman Benjamin Ezemma, who has been missing since November 24, 2024.
Speaking at a news conference in Awka on Tuesday, Obi, a prominent rights activist, urged the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to deploy all available resources to rescue the abducted businessman and bring those responsible to justice.
Ezemma, popularly known as BigBen, is the cofounder of Dubai Estate, a real estate firm based in Awka. Obi expressed deep concern over the growing number of missing persons, highlighting Ezemma’s disappearance as part of a troubling trend that has also seen the abduction of political figures, including a gubernatorial aspirant and a sitting lawmaker.
“We are here to interrogate the situation and demand answers because the government has institutions and systems in place to track crime,” Obi said. “The government has the capacity to address this. We want accountability and a resolution for every individual who goes missing.”
Obi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the government must take full responsibility for the safety of its citizens, urging security forces to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are apprehended. “If Benjamin is not found, we demand that his abductors be arrested,” Obi added.
He also pointed out that this issue is not isolated, referencing the cases of other missing persons, including the abduction of a gubernatorial aspirant and a sitting lawmaker. “We want justice because today it is Benjamin, tomorrow it could be any of us,” Obi stated.
In his remarks, Obi commended the DSS in Anambra for their intelligence efforts in investigating criminal cases, urging them to continue working transparently on Ezemma’s case. He called for the issue to be made public, stressing that citizens deserve to know the truth and should not allow the matter to be swept under the rug.
Obi also praised Governor Soludo for his efforts in improving security in the state, particularly for launching the “Udo Ga Achi” Security Initiative and the Agunechemba security outfit. He acknowledged that while the Agunechemba initiative is a positive step, there is room for improvement in addressing security challenges.
“If it is found that properties like hotels and buildings were demolished in error, I will stand with the people to ensure they are compensated,” Obi concluded.
