By Martin Opara
The Umuowa, Orlu born, Lagos based human rights lawyer, Barr. Henry Chidi Nwuke, who was kidnapped last week Friday, has finally regained freedom.
A source close to the erudite lawyer, who is also the President General (PG) of Umuowa Progressive Union, in Orlu LGA, availed that he was kidnapped, on arrival at the venue of a burial ceremony, for which he came back home from his base in Lagos.
When asked if the kidnap had any political under tone, the source said, he would not know, but confirmed that there have been pressures from different quarters, for the man, seen by many as a decent and responsible leadership material to contest the Orlu, Orsu Oru East federal Constituency seat in the Federal House of Representatives. “But he has neither accepted, nor publicly declared his intention to contest”.
He however wondered why anybody would want to kidnap such a humble and amiable man, who has been an epitome of humility, selflessness and transparency, stressing that the entire community is happy that he has finally regained his freedom.
A police source in Orlu, who spoke to our reporter, lamented that the level of insecurity in the state is becoming alarming, stressing that Orlu, Mgbidi, and most parts of Orsu have become notorious hideouts for kidnappers, armed robbers and other shades of criminals.
He blamed some leaders and stakeholders in the communities, including some of the monarchs, who are alleged to be accomplices to the crimes, for the menace and urged the government and relevant agencies to step up and take decisive actions.
Responding to a question, the source revealed that another contributing factor to the rising crime rate is the under-funding of security agencies by government at all levels and wondered what the security votes that run into billions of naira are used for.
Efforts to reach Barr. Nwuke for comments proved abortive as his phones were switched off as at the time of going to press.
