The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), said it was in full support of the House of Representatives directive for a probe into the alleged abduction and detention of Mr Igboayaka Igboayaka President of the OYC.
This is contained in a press statement on Friday signed by Messrs Iheanyichukwu Nweke and Michael Ukpabi, national secretary and publicity secretary of the group respectively, a copy was obtained by our correspondent in Abakaliki.
According to the statement, the lawmakers gave the directive when they received a petition demanding for the immediate release of the detained Igbo youth leader from the council presented by Mr Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state.
The body had in a letter dated March 5, signed by Messrs Iheanyichukwu Nweke, Secretary General and Michael Ukpabi publicity secretary of OYC, addressed to the lawmakers recalled recalled how their leader was allegedly abducted and remanded in Abakaliki Correctional centre.
Part of the statement read: “Following the recent violence perpetrated by suspected armed assailants on Sunday, February 2 at Amegu Nkalagha, Ishielu in Ebonyi leading to the death of over 20 persons with many houses burnt down.
“Their president issued a statement calling on Gov. Francis Nwifuru to take immediate action to address the gradual expansion of the presence of suspected Fulani herdsmen in the state.
“The group regretted that whereas Igboayaka’s statement was designed to call the government to action and do something about the risk which the presence of suspected armed Fulani herdsmen portends for the state, wondered the basis for the arrest of their national President.
“They therefore prayed the lawmakers to demand immediate and unconditional release of the embattled leader and urged the police to charge the matter to a court of competent jurisdiction a fair trial.”
Meanwhile, the House acting on the petition has directed its committee on Public Petitions to look into the allegations of abduction and unlawful imprisonment of Igboayaka.
Our correspondent reports that Ugochinyere presented the petition on the floor of the house during plenary on Thursday.
He said: “They are seeking the intervention of the House of Representatives in addressing the unlawful arrest, illegal detention and abduction of Igboayaka, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council.
“The facts of the petition are contained in a copy of the petition attached herewith. Accept Mr Speaker, the assurances of my esteemed regards.” ENDS//
