Abia women protest over abducted college of medicine provost

Women of Ezeleke Autonomous Community in Umuahia South Local Council of Abia State, yesterday, trooped out in their numbers to the palace of their traditional ruler, Eze Godfrey Ibeakanma, to protest the continued holding in captivity of their son, Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha, who is the Provost, College of Medicine, Gregory University Uturu, who was abducted by unknown persons in his country home since Sunday, June 5, 2022.

They told the monarch to do all within his ability to complement the efforts of state government, the security agencies and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), among others, in securing the release of Prof Iweha.

The state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, had placed a N5 million reward for anybody or group with useful information that would help secure the release of the professor.

Spokesperson of the protesters, Victoria Asomugha, told the traditional ruler that they have been in pains since the abduction, but resorted to praying and fasting for his safe return.

Asomugha said: “We want him back alive to finish the works he has at hand.”

The traditional ruler, who lamented the incident saying it was the first of its kind in the community, wondered why one could get lost in his house.

“We expect God’s miracle on this matter. It’s over two months now and we pray that our son will return alive.”

He acknowledged the efforts of the state government, security agencies and state NMA and described the abducted professor as one who rendered meritorious services to the state and the nation.

The family, in a statement signed by one of his son’s, Chukwudi Iweha, said: “We are in severe shock and distress over the incident of the abduction of our father, husband and grandfather.

“A ransom was paid the next day after the abduction, but our father is yet to return, neither have we heard from him nor has there been any communication with his abductors.

“The security forces have been working with some results, but nine weeks have passed and we have been mounting pressure on them to continue their investigation on the matter until result is achieved.”