MAN 28 DECLARED MISSING AFTER THREATS TO KILL HIM

A 28-year-old man, Daniel Gold from Edo State, has been declared missing after several threats to kill him by the Ogboni fraternity for his refusal to take over from his late father, Gold Joseph.

In an interview with newsmen, the elder sister to Daniel, Gold Blessing in tears, lamented the disappearance of her younger brother. In a loud voice, she cried out for help, saying “my siblings and I are depressed and living in fear of what we do not know. Since the departure of our late father, Joseph Gold in December 2, 2015, things have fallen apart. The Ogboni fraternity in Edo State, of which my late father was their president before his death, has made matters worse by threatening to kill my younger brother, Daniel for refusing to associate with them. We have been passing through pains of the unknown. The Ogboni fraternity has failed to understand that my late father chose his own way of life. Therefore, I see no reason why my younger brother should be compelled to join them. Belonging to any association should be based on one’s free will. The constitution of our dear country, Nigeria guarantees freedom of association, religion and expression. What the Ogboni fraternity is doing is a virulent attack on one of fundamental human rights.  Daniel, before his disappearance has been attacked on several occasions by the members of Ogboni fraternity, although, God has always saved him. My sibling and I are strong Christians, and our belief is strongly against belonging to occult group or any group which does not promote God’s work. I have sought for help from both the influential people in the state, politicians and key government office holders, but no help is coming because they also belong to the Ogboni fraternity. The situation has thrown us into a confused state, as we have no one to run to for help”.
Blessing used the opportunity to appeal to human right activists in the state, to urgently intervene in the plight of her family and to save her sibling from being killed.
Reacting to Blessing claims, one of the leaders of the Ogboni fraternity in Edo State who pleaded anonymity confirmed the attacks on the children of their late president, stating that it is mandatory for every first male child of a member to take over from their father when he dies. He also stated that Daniel is being stubborn and thus, the penalty of him going against the rule of law of Ogboni fraternity is death.