After 11 days in captivity, Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor, former member of the House of Representatives, was released on August 9, 2024. We bring you pertinent details of her background in the Ex-NASS Series piece
Mrakpor was abducted on July 30, 2024, by armed gunmen at her church in Asaba, Delta State. During the incident, the gunmen shot and killed a police officer and her driver before they forcefully took her away. The gunmen reportedly escaped using a speedboat stationed at the River Niger. She was held captive for 11 days, during which her abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1billion. After negotiations, a ransom was said to have been paid, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Early life and education…
Born in 1966, Joan is a Christian evangelist of Anioma heritage. Her educational journey began at Ubulu Primary School, where she earned her First School Leaving Certificate in 1976. She continued her studies at Itohan Grammar School in Benin City, receiving her West African Senior School Certificate in 1982. She furthered her education at the University of Jos, graduating with a B.A. in English Language in 1992. She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 1994. She pursued additional studies at Thames Valley University and Manchester Business School in the UK between 2004 and 2005.
Her political trajectory…
Onyemaechi Mrakpor’s political career began with her election to the Delta State House of Assembly in 2007, where she represented Aniocha South until 2011. She then moved to the National Assembly, serving from 2011 to 2019 as a member of the House of Representatives for the Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency, which includes Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South local government areas. After her time in the National Assembly, she was appointed as the Director-General of the Delta State Directorate of Orientation from 2019 to 2021. More recently, she served as the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs from 2021 to 2023, focusing on advancing women’s rights and social welfare.
Mrakpor’s controversies…
Joan Mrakpor was involved in controversy in 2021, when she was accused of assaulting a 68-year-old woman. The incident reportedly occurred during a public event, leading to significant media attention and public outcry. She responded to the allegations by denying the claims, stating that the accusations were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing her reputation. She emphasised her commitment to public service and called for a fair investigation into the matter.
Mrakpor’s abduction and release illustrates the severe insecurity challenges facing Nigeria today. Her harrowing 11-day ordeal, marked by violence and a significant ransom demand, underscores the growing threat to public figures and highlights the issues of safety within the country. As Mrakpor recovers from the traumatic experience, her experience serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms to protect those who serve in public roles and to address the increasing violence and criminality affecting the nation.
