By CHARLES IWUOHA

Family members of High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa on Monday evening called on the Nigerian Military to ensure the safety of their son.

Jackrich-Egberipapa through his counsel, Barrister Frank Tietie, raised the alarm that armed soldiers at about 4:00 local time on Monday in armoured tanks believed to be members of the Nigerian Military invaded his client's home in Usokun, Degema Area of Rivers State.

His counsel alleged that two people were reportedly shot and killed during the invasion after a search operation was conducted by the soldiers which lasted five hours before they took him away.

“Information reaching our office at about 4.00 pm (Local Nigerian Time), today, from Jackrich’s family sources, is that at about 3:30 am on Monday, the 8th of April 2024, armed soldiers in armoured tanks, believed to be members of the Nigerian military invaded the home of High Chief Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa in Usokun, Degema, Rivers State.

“Two people were reportedly shot and killed during the invasion and, after a search operation was conducted by the soldiers lasting about 5 hours, they arrested and took him (High Chief Jackrich) away to yet an unknown destination.

“Members of the High Chief Jackrich’s family who have reached out to the police authorities in Rivers State are unable to confirm the whereabouts of their patriarch at the time of issuing this statement.

“We, however, note with deep concern that such a form of enforced disappearance of a Nigerian citizen, by any group of persons even by the Nigerian military is unacceptable

“The High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa is a law-abiding Nigerian, known widely for his massive philanthropy and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, particularly in Rivers State.

“As an ex-militant leader, who is now a Christian Evangelist and businessman he encouraged all his followers to fully embrace and participate in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

“High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa has in recent times received much commendation from the Federal Government of Nigeria for his continued initiatives that have guaranteed peace in The Niger Delta.

“Therefore, it is most unwarranted for the Nigerian military to invade his residence in the manner that has been reported.

“What is however utmost at this time is to ensure that High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa is safe and his location is made known to his family members and legal representatives to enable him access to medical attention immediately.

“Whereas, we understand that the compound ofHigh Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich-Egberipapa is at this time cordoned off in a military siege possibly in search of caches of arms which he has nothing to do with owning to his new calling and peaceful pedigree over the years.

“We call on the Nigerian Military authorities to immediately cause a de-escalation of the tensions and move to restore peace in the area. High Chief Jackrich has proven himself as an ally of the Nigerian government for the peaceful development of the Niger Delta and the prosperity of the Nigerian State.”