By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Bayelsa State chapter on Thursday announced the cancellation of a two-day Prayer Summit and closing of Business Premises lockdown in the state.
The action was intended to draw attention to the incessant kidnapping of Igbo in the state
According to the President, Mazi Johnson Onuma, who spoke through the Organizing Committee Chairman, Timothy Madu, “after reviewing the security situations in the State and sought expert advice in view of the planned prayer summit scheduled to hold at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ovom on Thursday and on Friday, we decided to cancel it.”
Onuma said further, “the prayer was planned to seek the face of God in the recent kidnap cases involving the Igbo in Bayelsa State. The importance of prayers cannot be over emphasized, and we request all our members to continue to pray in our various houses for the safe release of our brother and sister in captivity.
“I employ every Igbo resident in Bayelsa to continue to be law abiding and desist from any act that breeds mistrust with our host communities. Be rest assured that your leadership remains focused and committed to ensuring all suggestions that will be for the best interest of our people will not be spared.
“Therefore the planned lock down of business premises and the prayer summit at the designated venue remain cancelled until our further review.
“May God continue to bless and protect all Igbo and residents in Bayelsa State, while we expect more efforts from the security agencies and Bayelsa State Government?”
Nigerian Pilot reports that two members of Ohaneze Ndigbo Bayelsa, one Mr. Chibuike Odum’s and another woman were kidnapped few days ago, hence the leadership opted for fasting and prayers.
