By IBRAHIM OBANSA, Lokoja –
Enemona Josh Humanitarian Foundation, has clarified that its founder, Ambassador Gabriel Onoja, who was earlier believed to have been kidnapped by gunmen is currently safe in the hands of the police who whisked him away from his apartment on Thursday night.
Recalled that news had gone round that the Kogi based philanthropist was abducted by unknown gunmen from his house along Wada road, Lokoja around 10.30 Thursday morning.
Reacting to the incident in a statement, the Foundations Executive Director, Williams Enemali Illah, said the news of his abduction ws true, but however said he was taken away by the police.
“We wish to sincerely appreciate friends, family members and volunteers across Kogi State and beyond for the strong show of love, sympathy, solidarity and comradeship exhibited this Thursday following a very unhealthy incident that happened at the early hours of the day.
The news of his abduction that went viral today is not totally misplaced as the person who claimed to come to invite him to provide explanation to a business transaction between him and is partners failed to do so with civility, rather, they invaded his residence in a commando style, took him away without formal invitation and identification of who they are, except wearing of police protective vest which kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals have used to carry out operations.
According to him,”Hours after the incident, Police confirmation from the State Command indicated that some officers were in Kogi State from Lagos to invite a resident but did not provide proper information on what their mission was.
At the moment, it is confirmed that our founder is in safe hands of security agents where certain harmonization of business agreement is expected between him and his partners.”
He said that “By this statement, the foundation wishes to confirm that he was not abducted as the case may be, even though the mode with which he was taken away looked like one which sent panic to his neighbors who raised the alarm.
We call on all our friends, associates, volunteers, admirers and well-wishers to remain calm, steadfast and activate their full support and prayers for the philanthropist.”He added
The foundation sincerely appreciates media partners, bloggers and other independent news agents whose fast spread of the news brought out the real issue. Kindly note that your continued support is needed as the founder appreciates your prayerful wishes.
While hopes to amicably be on the same page with his partners, the foundation wishes to assure its teaming supporters that all interventions and humanitarian activities being carried out will continue as the founder is due to return back to base in the next few hours.
As at the time of filling this report, the police spokesman, SP William Aya is yet to react as repeated calls and series of messages sent to him have not been responded to.
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