By Austin Ogwuda
Day 3
- Abductors, Police still maintain silence
No word has been heard from the abductors who, in a carefully coordinated operation ferried her through the River Niger by otuogwu in Asaba to an unknown destination since Tuesday this week.
Police also have continued to keep sealed lips apart from what the Delta State Police Command’s spokesman Bright Edafe said immediately after the kidnap that “we are on their trail”, nothing else has been said from them.
CAN, PFN keep mum
The Christian Association of Nigeria CAN and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN are yet to issue any statement about the abduction of a Presiding Pastor from her Church in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor since Tuesday this week.
*Commissioner appointed to replace her celebrate in low key
Following the vacuum created by her resignation during the build up to the July 13 local government elections in Delta State as a last resort in paving way for her junior brother to emerge as the Aniocha South LG Council Chairman, the governor appointed Smart Ijeoma Ufo as a replacement.
Ufo, who hails from Nsukwa town in Aniocha South LG area of the State on Wednesday was sworn in along with other recently appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers.
He was given the portfolio – Commissioner for Technical Education, which Ada Anioma dropped to actualise his brother’s dream of returning to the Council for a second term.
The swearing in took place Wednesday, a day after the kidnap.
Following the mixed feelings, The Townhall gathered that there was a very brief prayer session and reception for the Commissioner Smart Ijeoma Ufo held at the King’s Square, Nsukwa his home town, courtesy of his Committee of Friends but in a low key.
One of the attendees said, “this was as a result of the unfortunate incident that happened to one of our leaders and a mother figure in Peoples Democratic Party Aniocha South, Hon Joan Onyemaechi (Ada Anioma) the day before. Our prayers are with her and and the family for a sure divine Intervention.
Ned Nwoko on Matters of Urgent Public Importance.
Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly on Thursday came up with a Motion on Matters of Urgent Public Importance.
It reads: Motion for Urgent Public Importance: Abduction of Former Delta State Commissioner Joan Mrakpor and the Growing Security Threats in Delta State
Sponsor: Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North)
Mr. President, Distinguished Senators,
I rise to draw the Senate’s attention to a matter of urgent public importance regarding the recent abduction of former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education and former member of the House of Representatives, Joan Mrakpor.
On Tuesday, around 4 pm, Mrs. Mrakpor was abducted by unidentified gunmen on the premises of her church, ‘Jesus and I”, off DBS Road in Asaba. This heinous act, which occurred in what is considered one of the safest cities in Nigeria, resulted in the tragic deaths of her driver, two police orderlies who were providing security for the former commissioner and a POS bystander. In a further escalation of the violence, Mrs. Mrakpor’s three children were also abducted, and several others sustaining bullet wounds.
The brazen nature of this attack, marked by indiscriminate gunfire aimed at scaring away bystanders, points to a disturbing increase in insecurity in our communities, even in traditionally safe areas. This incident not only highlights the vulnerability of high-profile individuals but also reflects the broader and alarming trend of rising criminal activities across the country.
In light of these events, I urge the Senate to take the following actions:
i) Direct the Committee on Police Affairs to oversee a comprehensive and expedited investigation into the abduction, ensuring that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
ii) Also call upon the Committee on Police Affairs to review and recommend enhanced security measures for urban areas previously considered secure. This should include:
•An assessment of current security protocols and the development of strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
•Installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within our state capitals.
iii) Ensure that adequate support and assistance are provided to the families of the victims, including the families of the deceased driver, police orderlies, the POS bystander and those injured in the attack.
iv) Mandate a Joint Committee with the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to establish a subcommittee to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of security operations and measures in response to recent escalations in violence and report back to the Senate with their findings and recommendations.
v) Observe a one-minute silence in honor of the deceased victims, including the driver, police orderlies and the POS bystander.
I pray for her ….may the good Lord protect her…