The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has issued a scathing condemnation of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, accusing him of incompetence and complicity in the recent deadly herdsmen attacks on Amegu village in the Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area. The group has called for his immediate resignation, citing his alleged failure to protect the lives and property of Ebonyi residents.
This comes amid the controversial arrest of Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the OYC National President. The council claims that his detention was politically motivated and orchestrated by the Ebonyi State government to silence their opposition while enabling killer herdsmen to unleash terror across the state and the South-East.
In a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Chinedu Ikem, the OYC alleged that the Ebonyi State government is secretly working to detain and imprison Igboayaka under trumped-up charges. The statement further accused the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Jude Chikadibia Okpor, of collaborating with the Commissioner of Police to frame the OYC leader.
“The OYC has condemned the illegal abduction of our president, which was executed without the knowledge or involvement of the Imo State Police Command. This is a state-sponsored crackdown on the voice of Igbo youths,” the statement read.
The Council insisted that Igboayaka’s arrest proves Governor Nwifuru’s allegiance to Fulani herdsmen, arguing that instead of pursuing the attackers of Nkalaha community, the governor chose to go after their leader, who had earlier warned about the impending assault.
The OYC also took aim at the Nigeria Police, alleging that law enforcement agencies have been reduced to tools of oppression rather than protectors of the people.
“It is disgraceful that the Nigeria Police has now become an instrument of kidnapping. Our national president was abducted in Owerri, Imo State, and mysteriously appeared in Ebonyi State without the knowledge of the Imo Police Command. How is that an arrest?” the statement questioned.
According to the OYC, Igboayaka has been denied access to his phone, legal representation, and family since his abduction on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The group warned that many Igbo youths who have been taken in such a manner have never been seen again.
The OYC has called on Igbo leaders and the Inspector General of Police to urgently investigate the “illegal abduction” of their leader and hold those responsible accountable.
The Council accused Governor Nwifuru’s administration of a deliberate plot to make Igboayaka “disappear without a trace” by seizing his phone, car, and cutting off all communication.
“No one has seen Comrade Igboayaka since Saturday. We are deeply concerned for his safety, given the unprofessional conduct of the Nigeria Police. If he is not released immediately, we will mobilize and shut down Ebonyi State in a peaceful protest,” the group warned.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the Ebonyi State government and security agencies to address these allegations and ensure the safety of the detained OYC leader.
PIONEER NEWS 