A prominent leader of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Igboayaka Igboayaka, who was reportedly seized by armed men in Owerri, the Imo State capital, is currently in detention at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters, Chronicles Reporters has learned.
Sources indicate that the Ebonyi State government, under Governor Francis Nwifuru, is responsible for Igboayaka’s detention following a statement he issued concerning the recent herdsmen attack in Amegu village, Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area.
On February 4, Chronicles Reporters reported that Igboayaka, in an official statement, disclosed that OYC’s Directorate of Intelligence had earlier warned Governor Nwifuru about a potential attack, four days before the tragic event occurred.
He had stated, “Our investigations reveal that Fulani herdsmen are expanding their presence in Ebonyi State, posing a serious risk of future attacks if Governor Nwifuru fails to act. This inaction could lead to further loss of lives.”
Igboayaka further criticized South-East governors for their perceived lack of urgency in tackling security threats, describing their approach as indifferent. He pointed out that this negligence has fueled incidents of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and arson across the region. Specifically, he accused Governor Nwifuru of failing to protect lives and property in Ebonyi State, questioning his ability and commitment to addressing the growing security challenges.
He urged the governor and his administration to investigate the locations mentioned in the OYC’s press statement, issued in Abakaliki on January 29, 2025.
Earlier reports by Chronicles Reporters revealed that gunmen abducted Igboayaka on Saturday night at Ochez Suites, Works Layout, Owerri, shortly after he was declared the winner of the OYC presidential election at the Council’s national convention.
A witness to the abduction, Comrade David C. Ani, stated that they later confirmed Igboayaka was being held at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters in Abakaliki.
Ani disclosed that the state government did not deny his abduction and detention, explaining that officials wanted Igboayaka to reveal the source of his information regarding the herdsmen attack.
“They confirmed he is at the Ebonyi Police Command and said they need to know how he obtained the information he published,” Ani said.
He further stated, “The governor did not deny knowledge of the attack but insists on knowing how Igboayaka got his information.”
Ani also mentioned that legal representatives attempting to secure Igboayaka’s release have faced obstacles, as the Commissioner for Information has been in a prolonged meeting with the Commissioner of Police since morning.
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