The President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Owerri, Imo State.
His whereabouts remain unknown since the incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Igbo National Council (INC) and signed by its president, Chilos Godsent, the abduction took place around 7:00 pm at Works Layout in Owerri.
“On Saturday, 8th February 2025, at about 7:00pm, we heard the sad news that gunmen dressed in black and numbering up to seven arrived on a Sienna and a Lexus SUV and forcefully arrested the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) – Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka in a Neo Mafia Gestapo manner at Works Layout Owerri Imo State.”
Since his abduction, all attempts by members of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, his family, and associates to reach him have been unsuccessful.
His mobile phones were switched off immediately after the incident, raising further concerns about his safety.
“Since this sad news, attempts by teeming Members of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Family members, Friends, and Associates to reach him through his Mobile lines to ascertain his way about have failed because all his Mobile lines were switched off immediately the ugly incident took place.”
In response, the Igbo National Council has called on the Nigerian Police Force in Imo State to take urgent action to uncover the identities of the assailants and ensure Igboayaka’s safe return.
“On the foregoing, the Igbo National Council (INC) wish to call on the Leadership of the Nigerian Police Force Imo State Command to immediately swing to action to determine the identity of the gunmen that forcefully took the President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) – Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka captive on the evening of Saturday 8th February 2025 in Owerri Metropolis and thus make same Public.”
The INC further expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the incident has left his supporters, relatives, and the wider Igbo community in distress.
“The Igbo National Council INC notes that his followers, family, friends, and associates have been thrown into confusion since the ugly incident and would like to know his way soonest.”
