TD ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian-American lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe has called for the immediate release of Lawrence Zongo, a conflict reporter and human rights volunteer.
Zongo was reportedly detained by the military after a massacre in his Plateau State community.
Ogebe, who identified Zongo as his friend, said the reporter had been missing since Monday following another deadly attack in the community.
According to accounts from colleagues, his detention was discovered when he was reportedly found in military custody.
Zongo was allegedly arrested while visiting relatives hospitalised after an attack blamed on suspected Fulani militias, Ogebe said.
In a statement, the lawyer condemned the reported detention.
He described it as an additional burden for communities already suffering from violence and loss.
“My friend Lawrence Zongo has been arrested and unlawfully detained by Nigerian security forces while bereaved,” Ogebe said.
He added that Zongo was recovering from a recent accident and facing other health challenges when the incident occurred.
Ogebe Demands Immediate Release of Zongo
Ogebe criticised the military’s reported action against Zongo.
He argued that security agencies should prioritise identifying and apprehending those responsible for attacks on vulnerable communities.
He said the detention was particularly troubling given Zongo’s longstanding work documenting conflict and supporting victims of violence.
“Instead of devoting resources and energy to finding and fighting the real terrorists, the military is detaining defenseless victims, community members, heroes and allies,” Ogebe said.
He also alleged that the government was failing to address insecurity adequately while silencing activists and community voices.
Zongo Lost Eight Relatives in Previous Massacre
Ogebe recalled that Zongo lost eight relatives in the Palm Sunday massacre at Zikke, Plateau State, last year.
The attack reportedly claimed more than 50 lives, deepening the suffering of families affected by recurring violence in the state.
Despite his personal loss, Zongo continued volunteering to support survivors, according to Ogebe.
The lawyer cited Zongo’s assistance to a widow who lost seven family members, including her husband, children and in-laws, in a previous attack.
Zongo reportedly helped Ogebe and others provide the woman with a prosthetic limb.
Ogebe said they had been expecting Zongo to arrange follow-up treatment for the widow before discovering that his absence was reportedly linked to his detention.
Zongo Reportedly Recovering from Accident
According to Ogebe, Zongo had recently been involved in an accident but still made the effort to visit victims while recovering.
He described the 40-year-old as a committed humanitarian who had supported affected communities for approximately 12 years.
Ogebe said Zongo’s continued involvement in victim support demonstrated his commitment to people affected by violence, despite his own bereavement and health difficulties.
Ogebe Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Security Response
The lawyer also criticised the Tinubu administration’s approach to addressing insecurity.
He questioned whether its domestic security efforts matched its international lobbying activities.
Ogebe referred to the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), saying October 31 would mark one year since the designation.
He alleged that the administration was relying on foreign lobbyists while activists faced pressure at home.
“The Tinubu administration seems to believe hiring $9 million lobbyists abroad and silencing activists at home is the solution to insecurity,” he said.
Ogebe concluded by demanding the immediate release of Zongo.
Call for Official Clarification
As of the time of this report, the allegations presented in Ogebe’s statement had not been independently verified.
The military’s account of the reported arrest, the grounds for the detention of Zongo and his current legal status were not included in the statement provided.
The relevant military authorities have not been quoted in the statement responding to the allegations.
The circumstances surrounding Zongo’s reported detention therefore remain unclear, including whether formal charges have been filed against him.
Ogebe, who signed the statement on behalf of the US Nigeria Law Group, reiterated his demand for Zongo’s release.
