Press Statement by the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Barr Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze on the Abduction and Safe Rescue of Nine Victims in Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka - 2nd May, 2025.

 

Press Statement by the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Barr Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze on the Abduction and Safe Rescue of Nine Victims in Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka - 2nd May, 2025

1. Distinguished members of the press, my beloved people of Igbo-Eze South, security stakeholders, ladies and gentlemen:

2. It is with a heavy but determined heart that I address you this day, following the deeply unsettling incident that occurred on Saturday, the 26th of April 2025, between the hours of 8 and 9PM in Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka, within our own Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. 

3. On that fateful day, nine persons, including two Reverend Sisters, were violently abducted by criminal elements whose only purpose was to terrorise our people and violate the sanctity of our communities.

4. Let me begin by categorically condemning this heinous act. The abduction of innocent persons—religious and civilian alike—is not merely a criminal offence; it is an assault on our collective dignity, our communal peace, and the very conscience of society. No grievance, real or imagined, justifies such a despicable act. 

5. As the Chief Security Officer of this Local Government Area, I stand today not only to inform, but to reassure every citizen of Igbo-Eze South that this incident has neither broken our will nor weakened our resolve to defend and protect our people.

6. Following the incident, a quick response was immediately initiated through superlative coordinations from the Enugu State Government. Our boundary neighbours of Nsukka Local Government Area and those of Kogi State communities were of immense help as they offered cooperations to the multiple security formations that participated in the rescue operations.

7. Within 24 hours, I am pleased to report that three of the abductees were successfully rescued through the courageous efforts of these operatives. As of today, the 2nd day of May, 2025, all nine persons have been rescued and are now undergoing necessary medical evaluation and psychological support, reunited with their families. 

8. For this, we remain grateful.

9. Let me state unequivocally that the matter does not end with the rescue of the victims. Security operations are still ongoing to identify, pursue, and apprehend the perpetrators of this reprehensible act. 

10. We are committed to ensuring that those behind this criminality face the full force of the law. There shall be no hiding place for criminals in Igbo-Eze South. 

11. Our intelligence network has been activated, and collaboration with state formations remains robust and uncompromising.

12. It is imperative at this point to place on public record our profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his swift mobilisation of security resources and moral support, which reinforced our response capabilities in real-time. 

13. The promptness of the state government’s intervention sends a strong message that criminality of any form has no place within the borders of Enugu State.

14. Equally deserving of recognition are the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Military and more intimately, our Igbo-Eze South Neighbourhood Watch operatives as well as the members of the Forest Guards; gallant local men who risk their lives daily to safeguard our communities.

15. Their commitment, agility, and local intelligence network were instrumental in tracking movements and achieving these rescues. Their bravery must not go unnoticed. We thank you for your sacrifice and your patriotism.

16. However, fellow citizens, this incident, tragic as it is, must serve as a wake-up call. It is no longer acceptable to view security as the exclusive preserve of governments or the security forces.

17. The changing nature of crime; its decentralisation, sophistication and ruthlessness demands an all-hands-on-deck approach. Security is a collective responsibility. 

18. We must cultivate a culture of vigilance, proactive information-sharing, and communal alertness. Suspicious activities, unfamiliar movements, and strange gatherings should no longer be overlooked. We must speak up. We must act together.

19. In light of this, and with the full powers vested in my office as the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government, I hereby make the following categorical declarations:

1. Igbo-Eze South LGA will not tolerate criminality in any form within our territories. Let it be known to all—residents and non-residents alike—that our communities will no longer tolerate impunity, and we will mobilise every lawful force to defend our territory.

2. A comprehensive overhaul of our local security architecture shall commence immediately. This will include the retraining and reequipping of our Neighborhood Watch personnel, deepening collaboration with state security services, and launching new community vigilance frameworks at ward and village levels.

3. We shall strengthen our community intelligence systems, encouraging citizens to participate in local safety efforts through confidential reporting and surveillance volunteer networks. A secure feedback mechanism will be instituted to ensure responsiveness without exposing informants to danger.

4. In the coming weeks, my office will be convening a Local Security and Stakeholder Summit, bringing together traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and security agencies to evolve sustainable community-based strategies to secure our future.

20. Let me end by reminding all criminally minded individuals that Igbo-Eze South is not a safe haven for their enterprise. 

21. The full weight of our laws and structures shall come down hard on anyone who threatens our peace and the safety of our people. And to our dear citizens, be vigilant, be courageous, and be assured that this government will never abandon you.

22. Together, we shall build a safer, stronger, and more secure Igbo-Eze South.

23. Thank you and God bless.

Barr Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze 

Chairman, Igbo-Eze South L.G.A