Pharmacist raises alarm over harassment, threat by security operatives

By Rasaq Adebayo

Mr Ikechukwu Onyegbuna, a popular businessman and pharmacist based in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, has raised the alarm over incessant harassment by security agents in the state over his perceived membership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Onyegbuna made the allegation on Thursday while speaking with reporters in Yenagoa, saying that he had been under constant intimidation, victimisation and harassment by security agents.

He noted that he had lived in Bayelsa for many years and had been doing his business without involving in the agitation for Biafra and other secessionist groups.

Onyegbuna said: “I have observed of recent that some security operatives are hounding me and have made life unbearable for me.

“The harassment and threat to my life have made me go into hiding and can no longer move freely to conduct my legal and thriving business which is my source of livelihood.

“My ordeal in the hands of security operatives is a fallout of the crisis in Oyigbo, Orlu and the recent sit-at-home order by IPOB in the Southeast and arrest of IPOB members in part of the Southsouth. I have no links with the crisis.”

He appealed to all relevant authorities to intervene and save his life from imminent danger in the hands of the security operatives.

Onyegbuna stated categorically that he is not a member or sponsor of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network and that he was being falsely accused.