Here is an open letter to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, from friends and colleagues of actors Nkiru Sylvanus and Kenneth Okoli.
Please read below;
Mr. Mohammed Abubakar,
Inspector General of Police,
Force Headquarters,
Louis Edet House,
Abuja, FCT
Dear Sir,
NOLLYWOOD ACTORS’ KIDNAP: PLEASE, BRING OUR COLLEAGUES BACK HOME FOR
CHRISTMAS
We write to formally inform your esteemed office of the kidnap, last Sunday, December
16th, of two of our colleagues, enterprising entertainers, Nkiru Sylvanus and Kenneth
Okolie. The two actors were in Owerri, Imo State, shooting a movie when they were
forcefully abducted by masked gunmen. Some hours later, the mindless abductors
contacted family and friends of Ms Sylvanus especially demanding a N100m ransom. Up
till now, we cannot fathom the rationale behind their kidnap. And their abductors have
advanced none.
Perplexingly, about five days after this untoward incident, no concerted efforts, as far
as
sweat and toil to bring joy into millions of homes and hearts across Nigeria and the
globe. Indeed, it is sad and heartbreaking.
It is even more worrisome and befuddling considering that these actors’ kidnap is
coming just days after the Police, under your distinguished leadership, valiantly and
commendably went all out for the kidnapped 82-year-old mother of the coordinating
Minister
result, as we all know, is that Prof Kimene Okonjo was returned home hale and hearty,
thanks to the Police, your Police. Are Sylvanus and Okolie lesser citizens? Are they no
longer Nigerians who you should be bothered about their safety and wellbeing? Don’t
they
another name? Or, has Nigeria been reduced to George Orwell’s Animal Farm where
some animals are more equal than others?
We, the Friends of Sylvanus and Okolie, do not think so. We just believe that you
probably are swamped with protecting the lives and property of Nigerians during
this
citizens of this great country.
Sir, Ms Sylvanus is one of the more popular and proficient role interpreters in Nollywood
(Nigeria’s globally acclaimed movie industry) with a catalogue of seminal movies that
have shored up our rating as a filmmaking nation in the last 15years. Worthy of mention
is
so much reverence and renown globally. Apart from her acting career, she is also a
notable philanthropist who donates as much as she earns to motherless babies and
widows.
Mr. Okolie, on the other hand, won the Mr. Nigeria contest in 2010 and went on to
represent Nigeria at the Mr. World contest where he was second runner up. In his own
way, he has flown the flag of Nigeria in pride on global stages. He is also an actor and
singer and model. He is willing to do more to further make Nigeria proud but he can’t do
anything in captivity.
It
please deploy the same audacious expertise and refined gallantry that have become the
hallmark
families and fans. Of course, you know sir, that these young Nigerians cannot afford
anything
done fast, we fear the worst for Sylvanus and Okolie. That is why we are counting on
you sir.
As
evolve a winning and redoubtable strategy to protect the Nollywood community from
the increasing incidence of abduction as we have not forgotten so soon that veteran
screen idols Nkem Owoh and Pete Edochie have traveled that tortuous and unpleasant
road before.
We wish to continue entertaining Nigerians and doing Nigeria proud with our art but we
cannot do so under an atmosphere of pervasive insecurity and vulnerability.
Please, help us and accept the assurances of our profound regards and promise to
continue to be Proudly Nigeria.
God bless you.
God bless the Nigeria Police
God bless Nigeria
Signed
Friends of Nkiru Sylvanus and Kenneth Okolie
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