There is growing concern over the fate of nine fishermen from Ibbi town in Taraba state reportedly being held by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in Osama village, Ogbolu local government area of Anambra state.
Families of the fishermen said five days after, their whereabout is still unknown, they, however, they received calls from some people claiming to be IPOB members demanding ransom for the release of the nine fishermen.
“Four of the fishermen were killed at the spot, nine of them were taken hostage last Monday, and we received calls from some people claiming to be IPOB members demanding ransom for the release of the nine fishermen,” Sule Hussein, a relative of one of the hostages said.
“We demanded to speak with anyone of the nine fishermen to ensure that they are alive but the callers refused.
“We have not communicated with any of them five days after they were taken into the forest in a remote part of Anambra State. Some people are calling us to pay ransom but we declined because they refused to connect us with anyone of those being held to speak with him.
“Our main concern is that, are they a live or killed? That is the answer we are waiting for as we appeal to the Taraba State Government to do something about the incident, all of those being held have wives and children,” Hussein said.
Meanwhile, the special adviser to the Taraba state Governor on Media and Digital Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Bello said the state is aware of the situation and working to free the hostages.
“The Governor and Government of Taraba State is aware of the situation. The Governor is committed to see that the people are rescued alive,” Bello said.
