Igboayaka is said to be detained by the Governor Francis Nwifuru-led Ebonyi State government over a statement he issued after the deadly herdsmen attacks on Amegu village, Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

A cheiftain of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), and youths president, Igboayaka Igboayaka, who was "abducted by armed men" in Owerri, Imo State capital, is currently being detained at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Igboayaka is said to be detained by the Governor Francis Nwifuru-led Ebonyi State government over a statement he issued after the deadly herdsmen attacks on Amegu village, Nkalaha community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

SaharaReporters had on February 4, reported that Igboayaka in a statement said that OYC’s Directorate of Intelligence had raised the alarm and warned Governor Nwifuru about the potential attack four days prior to the violent incident by suspected herdsmen in Amegu Nkalaha community.

Igboayaka had said, “Our findings indicated that Fulani herdsmen are expanding their presence in Ebonyi State, posing a significant threat of additional attacks if Governor Nwifuru remains inactive, and that it may lead to further loss of lives in the state.”

He added, “Unfortunately, we have governors in the South-East who are perceived as uncooperative regarding insecurity, demonstrating a lackadaisical attitude which has led to frequent incidents of killings, kidnapping, banditry, and arson in the South-East.

“Evidently, Gov. Francis Nwifuru has been ineffective in ensuring the safety of lives and properties in Ebonyi, raising concerns about his capacity, ability, and dedication to resolving the Fulani Herdsmen violence in Ebonyi State.

“We trust that Governor Francis Nwifuru and his team will carefully examine the various locations mentioned in the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) press statement issued at Abakaliki on 29th January 2025.”

Earlier on Monday, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen abducted Igboayaka on Saturday night at Ochez Suites, Works Layout, Owerri, Imo State capital.

He was abducted shortly after he was declared the winner of the OYC presidential election at the Council’s national convention.

Comrade David C. Ani, who said he witnessed Igboayaka’s abduction told SaharaReporters that they have been informed that Igboayaka was taken to the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters, Abakaliki.

Ani told SaharaReporters that he went to Abakaliki where he confirmed that Igboayaka is currently being detained at the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters at the order of the state government.

He said the Ebonyi State government did not deny Igboayaka’s abduction and detention but said they want him to explain where he got the information about the herdsmen attack. 

Ani said, “They have confirmed that he is here (Ebonyi Police Command). They said they want to know where he got the information he published. 

“The governor didn't deny knowing about it but wants to know how and where he got the information from.”

He added, “The Ebonyi State government has confirmed that they abducted him because he made a publication about the herdsmen attack in Nkalaha last week.

“The government didn't deny that his organization shared the intelligence with them but they want to know where he got the information from.

“All the efforts made by his legal council to see him proved abortive as the Commissioner for Information has been in a meeting with the Commissioner of Police (CP) since morning.”