General Richard Duru: An Update

Dear reader, kindly understand why I have to post an update on this issue. Last week, I had, in a screaming headline, asked about his whereabouts and had stated very pointedly that the Chiefs of Army and Defence Staff should resign if by the end of a few days he was not found and released. Well, the deadline has passed and expectedly both men are still in their offices watching wrestling on TV or whatever it is they do to keep their fancy.

The good thing following that report however, is the kind of feedback that I have received since then. It’s looking like I might even open a situation room on the matter with the volumes of calls. Apparently General Duru was a very brilliant and popular soldier. His course mates, other colleagues — both serving and retired — and so many Nigerians have been calling in. They will first call my number and now say, “Let’s go to Whatsapp.” I will laugh, see Generals dey fear. Nigeria sha!

Well, from all the calls that have come in, I have been able to glean the following- the possibility of Gen. Duru being alive after over three months in captivity is very high, the possible location of his captivity being known by authorities but the sensitivity of the matter not allowing an all-out attack because of obvious collateral damage, his course mates are working very closely with authorities with a little bit of help from international authorities on the matter. “So Edgar, we are not just sitting down there and doing nothing. Two of the kidnappers are with the authorities giving credible information and Gen. Duru’s family is being carried along on all issues relating to this unfortunate incident.”

Well, much as this litany of information remains quite encouraging, the fact that Gen. Duru is still in custody after three months is still a sore point in my head and that of millions of Nigerians and as such, we cannot but remain in stoic sadness until he is released.

While thanking the authorities for a job well done so far, I will still state very clearly that a lot much more can still be done to bring an end to this very sordid and embarrassing affair. Thank you.