‘Igbo In Italy Scared Of Kidnappers’

The president of Anambra State Association, Padova (ASAP), Veneto, Italy, Chief Ralph Njirika, has said that Igbo resident in the European country are scared of returning home because of the kidnapping going on in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Njirika explained that Anambra indigenes based in Italy are willing to return to contribute their quota to the development of the state and Nigeria but the issue of kidnapping has discouraged many of them.

The Italy-based businessman noted that Anambra State has witnessed a lot of political crises in the past but the worst was this issue of kidnapping which has scared many people of the state’s origin to come back home.

“The situation is terrible that one cannot walk freely in the state for fear of being kidnapped for a ransom,” Njirika who was on holiday said.

He appealed to the state governor, Peter Obi and the President Goodluck Jonathan to address the issue urgently.

“We have travelled overseas for greener pastures and inkling to return home to contribute to the development of our state, but the issue of kidnapping has frustrated our return,” he lamented.

He also advised that government should tackle the issue of youth restiveness and ensure they are gainfully employed so that kidnapping will stop.

He described ASAP, his association, as a social and political group formed by Anambra State indigenes based in Italy to protect their interests and promote the welfare of members.

—Cyriacus Izuekwe