Gunmen Attack Human Rights Activist, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and Family in Anambra

Babatunji Wusu –

• Human rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi and his family were attacked by gunmen on November 27 in Anambra.
• The gunmen initially stole Umeagbalasi’s Mitsubishi Hilux and later demanded a ransom of N250,000 for its return.
• Umeagbalasi’s wife, child, and others were forced out of the vehicle at gunpoint.
• The gunmen also stole other vehicles, abducted their occupants, and terrorized several communities for over eight hours.
• The stolen vehicle was later recovered, and Umeagbalasi has called for the return of his items.

Emeka Umeagbalasi, a prominent human rights activist and chairman of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), and his family were victims of a brutal attack by gunmen on November 27 in Anambra State. The gunmen initially seized Umeagbalasi’s Mitsubishi Hilux at gunpoint from his driver, Comrade Chike Umeh, before demanding a ransom of N250,000 to release the vehicle. Although the vehicle was recovered, it was snatched once again at Ezinifite Roundabout in Aguata, where Umeagbalasi’s wife, Blessing, their young son, Chimdiebube, their house-girl, Somtochukwu Okafor, and the driver were all forced out of the vehicle.

The same day, the gunmen carried out further attacks, stealing multiple vehicles, including an SUV Prado, and abducting their occupants. The gunmen held nine communities in the area under siege for over eight hours. The incident was reported to the Ekwulobia Police Division, and the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the recovery of the stolen blue Hilux vehicle. Umeagbalasi has since written to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, requesting the return of his vehicle and personal belongings.