By Paschal Emeka, Abuja | March 9, 2023
The Elders of Nsugbe community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have decried the unbridled hell-bent defamation and character assassination targeted at their illustrious son, Senator Alphonsus Obi Igbeke, popularly known as Ubanese, a former Senator who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, over missing 8 persons, twenty years ago.
The Elders while exonerating Senator Obi Igbeke from any wrong doing, said that he was wrongly accused of kidnapping 8 persons over 20 years ago.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja, the Spokesman of the Elders, 78-year-old Sir Augustine Mgbataogu, who was also the Acting President General of the community when the said event took place, claimed that the fake, defamatory and misleading news report which was aimed at tarnishing the image of the distinguished Senator was the handiwork of the enemies of the community who are against the peace and progress of the community.
For Ifeanyi Tabugbo, the spokesperson for Ifite Quarter, Nsugbe, those people were terrors in the community
“I was coming from Onitsha to Nsugbe. We were four on the bus. Police had a checkpoint on a section of that road. So, when we were approaching, the people on that road were flashing their torchlights.
“I told the driver to slow down; that they were policemen. So, when we got where they were, somebody came out from a Melina tree and pointed it at us to my surprise.
“He fired gunshots and we zoomed off. While we were running, I noticed that blood was dripping from my backside. I had been shot. The driver said that bullet hit him in the leg.
“I went to the police station in our community and reported the matter. I was later taken to the hospital.
“This happened around 8pm. From there, I was taken to a hospital in Onitsha where I was given treatment for three months until I returned to Lagos. Anyone trying to link Sen. Ubanese to the missing persons in Nsugbe is mischievous, ” he said
Recounting the incident, the respected community leader, Sir Augustine Mgbataogu, who was the Acting President General said that eight persons who were allegedly caught for nefarious activities in Nsugbe in 2002 were handed over to the police.
He said, “I was called upon when this thing happened. They brought them to the village square led by one Obi Gika Anaekwe; unfortunately, he is late now. I wish he is still alive to testify to what I am saying.
“So, Gika Anaekwe led Nsugbe people to these children. Unanimously Nsugbe said that they would have no hand in it; that they should hand them over to the police.
“These children were handed over to the police. This happened about 20 years ago. The police were there. These children were grown-ups, not kids.
“Their parents existed. It should be their duty to have asked after their children, not mine. Did I ask them to go about stealing; shooting people?”
A recent social media post accused Senator Obi Igbeke who hails from the community of abducting the children.
The community however rose in defence of the former senator, warning that they will not take it lightly with anyone who links Senator Alphonsus Obi Igbeke (Ubanese) to the missing children.
It was also gathered that Nsugbe Community may likely go ‘spiritual’ to unravel those behind such action against their son and take any action they deemed fit.
When contacted on phone, Senator Obi Igbeke, said those behind such action were perceived political enemies.
“They think I’m interested in any political office. Their aim is just to tarnish the image that took me many years to build. They should think of another thing.
“I’ve served this country as a member of the House of Representatives. I’ve also served as Senator representing Anambra North and many others including a Nigerian Ambassador, extraordinary and plenipotentiary. Their attempt is in vain.”