Imo govt speaks on abduction, threat to kill ex-lawmaker by armed ‘Biafra agitators’

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The Imo State Government has vowed to secure the release of abducted former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Ngozi Ogbu.

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PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that some armed persons, who claimed to be Biafra agitators, abducted Mr Ogbu at Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State on 7 September.

This newspaper also reported that one of the hoodlums who abducted the former lawmaker was seen in a now viral clip claiming to be a member of the Biafra Liberation Army, an armed militant wing of the Autopilot IPOB, a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra founded by the now jailed Simon Ekpa.

The armed person vowed to kill Mr Ogbu if authorities and villagers fail to withdraw security operatives reportedly deployed in a place known as White House in Okigwe within four days which would elapse on Tuesday.

The police in Imo State said on Sunday that they have ordered the immediate deployment of police operatives from tactical units to rescue the former lawmaker.

Imo govt speaks

Reacting in a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information in Imo State, Declan Emelumba, said the state government “is doing everything within its power to secure the safe release” of Mr Ogbu.

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Mr Emelumba said the government condemns “the brazen and lawless act that led to the abduction” of Mr Ogbu by the hoodlums.

“In concert with security agencies, the government has activated all necessary mechanisms to ensure his prompt and safe return,” he said.

The commissioner warned politicians to desist from making “political capital out of Ogbu’s ordeal.”

“Such comments or actions not only trivialise his suffering but could further endanger his life.

“The politicisation of a matter involving the life of a husband, father, and fellow citizen is, to say the least, deeply unconscionable,” he added.

The commissioner said that the Imo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the continued protection of lives and property in the state.