The Plot Thickens: Arrest of Ohanaeze Youth President sparks more questions in Ebonyi killings 

The Coordinator of Ishielu North Development Centre in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Emeka Odanwu, has clarified the reasons behind his petition leading to the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Worldwide.

 

Igboayaka was recently arrested for questioning by the police in connection with the unidentified gunmen attack on some communities in Ishielu LGA.

 

Recall that Amagu village in Nkalaha community was attacked in the early hours of Sunday, February 2, 2025, by unknown assailants, leaving about 15 people dead and houses burnt.

 

Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, Odanwu explained that his petition to the police was informed by Igboayaka’s public utterances and claims before and after the unfortunate attack, suggesting that he may have useful information towards unraveling the assailants.

 

Odanwu stated: “I am here to put the records straight on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka.

 

“On January 31, 2025, Igboayaka issued a press statement that the people of Obeagu, Nkalaha, and Egedegede should gear up their security network as there was an impending attack on them.

 

“Two days later, precisely on February 2, 2025, the people of Amagu village in Nkalaha community were attacked, and about 15 people were killed, with houses burnt.

 

“It is sad to say that his prediction became a reality.

 

“While we were still in grief and trying to unravel what happened to us, Igboayaka also released another statement that he informed the Governor of Ebonyi State four days before the attack.

 

“Our pains and fears were deepened by the audacity of his claims.

 

“We strongly believe that he knows a lot that needs to be shared with the security agencies.

 

“Therefore, on February 5, 2025, I wrote a petition in my capacity as the Development Centre Coordinator calling on the police to invite Igboayaka to investigate the said statements as he may have valuable information as to what led to the mindless massacre of our people.”

 

Odanwu further explained that he took the decision as part of his responsibility to take proactive steps to forestall similar attacks on other villages listed by Igboayaka in his earlier release.

 

“I took that responsibility because some other places he mentioned, like Obeagu and Egedegede, still fall under Ishielu North Development Centre, and since his first prediction came to pass, the people of our Development Centre are presently apprehensive and scared of the unknown, considering the precision with which his prediction came to pass.

 

“We decided to toe this lawful path of going to the police to enable him to share with the police the same intelligence he had claimed to have shared with the Governor.

 

“This will undoubtedly help the police to unravel the identities of the persons behind the dastardly act perpetrated against our people.”

 

Odanwu emphasized that the petition was not intended as a certain accusation against Igboayaka, as he is presumed innocent while the police continue with the investigation.

 

“We believe Igboayaka has a responsibility to tell the police the sources of his intelligence.

 

“If the police investigate him and he provides satisfactory and evidence-based explanations, so be it.

 

“But if he is found culpable, we demand that he should be made to face the full weight of the law.”

 

While assuring that security has been boosted in the area, Odanwu urged his people to remain calm and steadfast as the hardworking and dedicated security agencies continue with investigations into the matter.

 

Ishielu North Development Centre in Ishielu Local Government Area is made up of three wards: Amaezu, Obeagu, and Nkalaha, with its headquarters at Egedegede.