…takes firm stance against individuals, political actors exploiting Ogbu’s abduction for political gain.
IMO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Imo State Government has reassured the public of its firm commitment to rescuing Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, a former Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area and ex-member of the Imo State House of Assembly, who was abducted a week ago.
The administration expressed strong condemnation of the incident, describing it as a brazen and lawless attack that must not be tolerated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the state Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, said Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration has activated every necessary mechanism in collaboration with security agencies to secure Ogbu’s safe release. He noted that security operations have been intensified across the state and that authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their search for the abducted politician.
According to Emelumba, the government views the abduction not just as a crime against an individual, but as a direct assault on peace, security, and order in Imo State. “The Imo State Government is deeply concerned about the abduction of Hon. Ogbu, who is not only a respected political figure but also a husband, father, and citizen of the state. We will not relent until he is reunited with his family,” he assured.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the rescue operation. He emphasized that public safety remains a top priority for the state government, adding that ongoing efforts are part of a broader strategy to combat criminality and restore confidence in security systems across Imo.
However, the government also took a firm stance against individuals and political actors who have sought to exploit Ogbu’s abduction for political gain. Emelumba warned that such actions not only trivialize the suffering of the victim and his family but also risk further endangering his life.
“It is most unfortunate that while the government and security agencies are working round the clock to ensure Hon. Ogbu’s safe return, some persons have chosen to fan the flames of insecurity by using this tragic incident to score cheap political points,” he said. “The politicisation of a matter involving the life of a husband, father, and fellow citizen is, to say the least, deeply unconscionable.”
He further called on political stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens to demonstrate restraint, unity, and a sense of shared responsibility during this difficult period. “Security is a collective responsibility, and we must work together to defeat the enemies of peace in our state,” he added.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that decisive actions will continue to be taken against those who undermine public safety. He expressed confidence that ongoing security operations would yield positive results and bring the perpetrators of this criminal act to justice.
The abduction of Hon. Ogbu has heightened concerns about the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of the state. Residents have called for increased security patrols, intelligence gathering, and community vigilance to curb such incidents.
Meanwhile, family members, friends, and colleagues of the abducted politician have continued to express hope for his safe return, appealing to his captors to release him unharmed. Civil society organisations and rights groups have also condemned the incident and called on the government to double its efforts to tackle insecurity across Imo State.
As investigations continue, the government has urged all citizens to avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise security operations. The statement concluded with a reassurance that Governor Uzodinma’s administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and ensure that Imo State remains a safe place for residents and investors alike.
