Many Igbo did not go home as its the customary by this season from time in memorial. In my neighbourhood, they are around gidigba!!! But they seemed not ready to discuss the matter at all. So I went to their luxurious popular bus parks at Oshodi & Masa Masa all in Lagos, I was shocked as there was no the usual crowd!!! ~ Ayo Ojeniyi Here is why! As kidnappers take over: Wealthy Igbo sons and daughters shun the South East …abandon country homes, shun eastern ceremonies ad engagements FORGET whatever lame excuses they are still putting up, the five eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo are now in the firm grip of kidnappers. And with their brazen and brutal reign, travelling to the villages have become a taboo for most wealthy and well known sons and daughters from that part of the country. The only exceptions are perhaps those with enough money to pay to ‘special security.’ The Igbos, by the way, enjoy journeying to their villages, especially during festive periods. One is to spend time with their kith and kin who they sometimes see only once in a year. And two, to sleep in their superlative country homes which they rarely savour their comfort and confines, in spite of all the millions they gladly spend on them. The reason, unfortunately, is the emergence of kidnappers who seem to have become uncontrollable and unmanageable for the policemen and soldiers. A prominent Anambra son recently lamented that he just completed his country home, but because of these enemies of progress has not been able to sleep there. Not even for one day! Apostle Anselm Madubuko, the General Overseer of Revival Assembly Church in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos had this to say about the ugly trend: “The government should do something about it because it is their responsibility. They should do whatever they have to do to stop it. They have to crack down on it. It used to happen in South Africa, but the government cracked down on it and it stopped. Our government should also stop it here. It is their responsibility.” Also embittered by the actions of the kidnappers, respected columnist and public commentator, Okey Ndibe, lamented that: “The Igbo have never faced a more serious challenge than the current blight of kidnappers…Igbo land is beleaguered, dangerous close to becoming a no-go area.” encomium.ng/as-kidnappers-take-over-wealthy-igbo-sons-and-daughters-shun-the-south-east/
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 12:35:48 +0000