“Take Each Day as If It Could Be the Last” – Ex-Federal Lawmaker Recounts Harrowing 10-Day Kidnapping Ordeal

Former federal lawmaker, Ms. Joan Onyemaechi, has opened up about her terrifying experience during a 10-day abduction by kidnappers in Asaba, Delta State. Speaking to a congregation at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Asaba, Onyemaechi shared her story with emotion, expressing deep gratitude for her survival.

Ms. Onyemaechi, who previously represented the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was kidnapped on July 30 from the premises of her church, located off DBS Road in Asaba. The violent attack left at least two people dead, including her police orderly, and others injured.

In her address to the church, Onyemaechi reflected on the ordeal, stating that the experience taught her the importance of valuing each day as if it were the last. “Please, take each day of your life as if it could be the last day,” she urged. “I am one of those who would say, ‘God forbid,’ when I heard this, but the reality is we should live each day as if it could be the last.”

She recounted how, during the ordeal, she prayed fervently, feeling God’s presence despite the uncertainty of the situation. “When I was in the boat going to an unknown destination, He (God) said, ‘I am with you.’ I am here today because God showed me mercy,” Onyemaechi shared, her voice filled with emotion.

Onyemaechi also addressed the loss of life during her abduction, mourning the death of her driver, Isaac, and the police inspector who was killed in the attack. She called for caution in speech and actions, urging people to avoid making unfounded assumptions. “The people who came for me did not know me, and I did not know them. Who went to tell them about me?” she questioned.