Missing Ohanaeze youth leader found in Ebonyi, detained by state govt

A chieftain of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) and National Youth President, Igboayaka Igboayaka, who was reportedly abducted by armed men in Owerri, Imo State, has been found in police custody at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters.

Sources reveal that Igboayaka is being detained by Governor Francis Nwifuru-led Ebonyi State government over a statement he issued following the deadly herdsmen attacks on Amegu village in Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Igboayaka, in a statement dated February 4, warned of an imminent attack after the OYC’s Directorate of Intelligence raised concerns four days before the incident.

He accused Governor Nwifuru of inaction, stating that the spread of Fulani herdsmen in Ebonyi posed a growing security threat.

“Our findings indicate that Fulani herdsmen are expanding their presence in Ebonyi State, posing a significant threat of additional attacks if Governor Nwifuru remains inactive,” Igboayaka had stated.

Following his disappearance, reports surfaced that gunmen abducted him 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.

Comrade David C. Ani, who witnessed the abduction, confirmed to SaharaReporters that Igboayaka is being detained at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters.

“The Ebonyi State government did not deny his abduction and detention but said they want him to explain where he got the information about the herdsmen attack,” Ani said.

He further disclosed that all efforts by Igboayaka’s legal team to secure his release had been unsuccessful, as the state’s Commissioner for Information and the Commissioner of Police have been in a meeting regarding the case.