Mr. Mathew Onwuasoanya, a lawyer and reporter with Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, ANPC, publishers of National Light newspaper, has been declared missing since the night of May 29, 2020 after he was allegedly whisked away from his home by unknown gunmen.
A letter signed by Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper and addressed to the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council said “we have been expecting him at work until his only brother, Mr Oliver Onwuasoanya, 07031318440, arrived our office on Monday, June 8, 2029 and told us they are searching for him.”
The letter dated June 12, 2020, said “at his residence, neighbours told his brother that at about 2am on May 30, some vehicles, comprising a white Hilux truck and a Highlander with some gun-bearing men dressed in what looks like security men’s uniform came and whisked him away. That is the much they said.”
Below is the full letter:
12/6/2020
The Chairman
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),
Anambra State Council,
Awka
Sir,
*NATIONAL LIGHT JOURNALIST, MATHEW ONWUASOANYA, 49 MISSING*
Please there is a serious matter in our hand, here in Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, ANPC: *One of our (National Light Newspaper’s) journalists reporters, Barrister Mathew Onwuasoanya, Male, fair in complexion, aged 49, personal telephone numbers, *07086738854 and 07032770194* has not been seen neither in office nor at his residence in Ngodo, Nise, since the night of Friday, 29th May, 2020.
We have been expecting him at work until his only brother, Mr Oliver Onwuasoanya, 07031318440, arrived our office on Monday, June 8, 2029 and told us they are searching for him.
Thereafter, we commenced action on search for him. His brother has lodged complaints to CPS and the CP’s office with his photograph and vital information.
At his residence, neighbours told his brother that at about 2am on May 30, some vehicles, comprising a white Hilux truck and a Highlander with some gun-bearing men dressed in what looks like security men’s uniform came and whisked him away. That is the much they said.
*Prayer* :
Kindly use your good office to help rescue this very active and resourceful Journalist as the development if not tackled, may leave a big dent on the image of media practice in Anambra State.
Chuka NNABUIFE
MD/CEO, ANPC, Awka
