By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Emmanuel Emeka Odanwu, the Coordinator of the Ishielu North Development Centre in Ebonyi State, has revealed that his office filed a petition that led to the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the President of Ohanaeze Youth.
There has been controversy surrounding Igboayaka’s arrest, with some rumours suggesting that he was abducted, a claim that the police have refuted.
Odanwu addressed journalists in Abakaliki on Wednesday, explaining that the petition was necessary because the community involved falls under his development centre, which comprises three wards: Amaezu, Obeagu, and Nkalaha, with its headquarters at Egedegede.
He stated that the community is demanding that Igboayaka face the full force of the law if he fails to provide the police with the necessary information to help identify the perpetrators responsible for the attack on the Amagu Nkalaha community on February 2, 2025.
“I am here to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka,” he said.
“On January 31, 2025, Mr. Igboayaka issued a press statement warning the residents of Obeagu, Nkalaha, and Egedegede to enhance their security in anticipation of an impending attack.
“Two days later, on February 2, 2025, the people of Amagu village in the Nkalaha community were attacked. Approximately 15 individuals were killed, and numerous houses were destroyed. It is safe to say that his warning became a reality.
“While we were still grieving and trying to understand what had happened, Igboayaka released another statement claiming that he informed the Governor of Ebonyi State about the impending attack four days prior.
“Our grief was compounded by the audacity of his claims. We firmly believe he possesses crucial information that needs to be shared with security agencies.
“Consequently, on February 5, 2025, I wrote a petition in my capacity as Development Centre Coordinator, requesting the police to invite Mr Igboayaka for questioning regarding his statements, as he may have valuable insights related to the tragic massacre of our people on February 2.
“I took this responsibility because some of the areas he mentioned, like Obeagu and Egedegede, fall under the Ishielu North Development Centre. Since his prediction came true, the people in our Development Centre are currently apprehensive and fearful of potential future attacks, given the accuracy of his warnings.
“We opted to follow this legal route by approaching the police so that Igboayaka could share with them the same intelligence he claimed to have provided to the Governor. This would undoubtedly assist the police in identifying those behind the heinous acts against our community.
“Furthermore, it would help prevent a recurrence of such incidents, especially in the areas he highlighted in his press release. This is the reason for his arrest.
“We believe Mr. Igboayaka has an obligation to explain to the police the sources of his intelligence. If the police investigate and he offers a satisfactory, evidence-based account, that would be acceptable. However, if he is found culpable, we demand that he face the full weight of the law. Our community is still traumatized by the events of February 2, 2025.
“Although we have strengthened our security measures to prevent a repeat occurrence, normalcy is gradually returning to Amagu Nkalaha. The security forces have been working diligently to maintain order and are conducting ongoing investigations.
“I urge our people to remain calm and patient while the authorities work to identify the attackers. We have confidence in their ability to deliver justice. The blood of our slain compatriots and their bereaved families cries out for justice.”