Sports
Mikel ‘scared’ after dad suffers second kidnap, calls on FG to boost security
Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has lamented over the security situation in Nigeria after his father was kidnapped for the second time in seven years.
Pa Michael Obi was abducted by unknown men last week, but has been rescued by the Police in Enugu state after a gun battle had ensued between the two groups.
It is the second time Pa Obi has been kidnapped, with the first taking place in August 2011 while his son played for Chelsea.
“For the second time I’ve had to live with the fears of losing my father and it is very scary,” he told BBC Sport.
“Today it’s my dad but tomorrow it could be someone else which makes it very scary.”
The 31-year old, who led the national team to the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia, had earlier revealed that he got the news of his father’s kidnap few hours before their final group game against Argentina.
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The kidnappers threatened to kill his father “instantly” if the authorities were informed, and so he went on to play the match without saying a word even to the coaches.
But Mikel has called on the government to look into the security situation in the country, to ensure lives and properties of citizens are protected.
“It does not matter what your status is in Nigeria, everyone deserves to feel safe and secured,” he explained.
“Life is already tough on people, then they have to start living in fears when they are going about looking for means of survival.
“I want to encourage our government to continue its relentless efforts and fights on factions that create fear and insecurity in our country.
“My father was hurt and tortured during his ordeal and this is unacceptable. I hope that the authorities will work harder to bring this bandits to justice.
“Representing my country is my greatest honour, I love my country and very proud to be a Nigerian.”
Meanwhile, Mikel is yet to decide whether or not to continue with the Super Eagles after they crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage.
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