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APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

Published

2 months ago

March 8, 2026

HRH Francis Igwe

APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted with deep shock and dismay after confirmed information linked one of its members — the party’s Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State — to the abduction and later killing of HRH Francis Igwe, the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Dr. Kelechi Igwe.

Reports indicate that the monarch, a respected traditional ruler from Ndufu‑Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church, before being killed roughly 24 hours after his abduction. Security sources say the suspects had demanded a ransom and were tracked through a bank account used for ransom transactions. Police have since arrested the APC Publicity Secretary, Simbad Victor Ogbuatu, along with eight other suspects connected to the crime. One suspect was reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives as they carried out the operation.

Addressing the monarch’s family on Saturday during a condolence visit in the Igwe family compound in Ikwo, the APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro‑Emegha, said the development had left the party leadership deeply stunned and saddened.

“The report is unheard of, and I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days,” Okoro‑Emegha said. “Members of the party cannot, in their entire lives, believe that the party can be associated with such an act.”

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He described members of the party as “a family,” saying that even in normal party activities, “someone can vouch for another,” and emphasised that the alleged crime has brought deep embarrassment to the APC.

Chief Okoro‑Emegha pledged the party’s support for any action taken by the state government and security agencies to ensure justice for the Igwe family. “The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such an evil act no matter who is involved,” he said. “We condemn whatever is condemnable — as whatever is evil is evil.”

He further admonished that anyone aware of the alleged crime who failed to disclose it should also face the consequences of their actions.

Addressing the grieving family, Okoro‑Emegha encouraged resilience, saying, “I also urge the family and entire community to be consoled, because the deputy governor needs your solace to be strong. The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that you do not know how it was created.”

The Palace Secretary of Ndufu‑Alike community, Dr. Johnson Aloh, also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation to the APC for the visit and support. He described the incident as “earth‑shaking,” lamenting that such a tragedy had unfolded in Ebonyi State, which he said had built a reputation for peace and stability.

“We were devastated when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual,” Aloh said. “We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act.” He urged authorities to ensure that “bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image” are brought to justice.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has also condemned the killing as tragic, leading state officials in another visit to the monarch’s home and assuring that those responsible — including any fleeing suspects — will be apprehended and prosecuted. Police reported recovering a locally made firearm from some of the suspects during operations.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions in Ebonyi State and nationally, with calls for strengthened efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crime, and for political actors to disassociate from criminality.

APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

Related Topics:APC Ebonyi Monarch Kidnap Publicity Secretary

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Kidnappers Invade Lagos Home, Abduct Woman, Demand ₦60m Ransom

Published

8 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Mrs. Olanike Ogundare

Kidnappers Invade Lagos Home, Abduct Woman, Demand ₦60m Ransom

A suspected kidnapping incident in Lagos has sparked fresh concerns over safety in residential communities after a woman, identified as Mrs. Olanike Ogundare, was abducted from her home in the early hours of Tuesday.

The victim was reportedly taken around 1:00 a.m. at her residence located at No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo. Residents said the attackers carried out the operation in a coordinated manner, overpowering the compound’s security guard at gunpoint before whisking her away to an unknown destination.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as swift and well-planned, noting that the gunmen appeared to have prior knowledge of the environment, raising suspicions about possible surveillance before the attack.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), have been alerted and are said to be working on intelligence to track down the perpetrators and secure the victim’s release.

Community security structures have also been activated, with local leaders and groups, including the Oodua People’s Congress, joining efforts to support rescue operations and enhance vigilance across the area.

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Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the kidnappers have contacted the victim’s family at least twice, demanding a ₦60 million ransom. Negotiations are said to be ongoing, although authorities have urged caution in handling such demands.

The incident has heightened anxiety among residents, particularly as it occurred within a secured residential compound, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures in parts of Lagos.

Security analysts say the attack reflects a worrying trend of urban kidnapping, where criminal groups are increasingly targeting homes in major cities, rather than operating only along highways or in rural areas.

Stakeholders have called for urgent intervention from security authorities, urging the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to deploy intelligence-driven strategies and strengthen surveillance to prevent further incidents.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command is expected to provide further updates as investigations continue, with assurances that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.

Kidnappers Invade Lagos Home, Abduct Woman, Demand ₦60m Ransom

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VIDEO: Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence

Published

8 hours ago

April 23, 2026

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Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

VIDEO: Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence

A massive crowd gathered across major parts of Ibadan as former minister Bayo Adelabu arrived in the city, receiving an overwhelming welcome from supporters in what many described as a strong show of political influence.

From the airport through key roads leading to his residence, thousands of residents, party loyalists, and admirers lined the streets in a massive استقبال (welcome) that brought movement in some areas to a near standstill. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as chants, cheers, and coordinated displays of support сопровождали his convoy.

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Eyewitnesses said the turnout reflected Adelabu’s deep grassroots connection in Oyo State, especially in Ibadan, widely regarded as a major political hub in the South-West. The large gathering is being interpreted by observers as a signal of growing political momentum and possible strategic positioning ahead of future political activities.

The development has also sparked conversations about the evolving political landscape in the state, with analysts pointing to the crowd size as an indication of shifting loyalties and increasing engagement among supporters.

Security presence was visible along the routes, ensuring crowd control and smooth movement of the convoy, while residents watched from roadsides, rooftops, and nearby buildings.

Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence#FieldMarshalAvoidedWW3 | #BURMCI | #Skengwes | Nasiru | #A200Plus | NDLEA | Blessing CEO | Edo State pic.twitter.com/wRPXMEUia6

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 23, 2026

VIDEO: Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence

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Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Published

8 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Trends Admin

the captured suspect

Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian troops have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency after killing a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, alongside 24 other terrorists, while also capturing one fighter alive during a failed attack in Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when ISWAP fighters launched a coordinated assault on Kukareta community shortly after midnight, attempting to overrun the area. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI quickly responded, engaging the attackers in a sustained counter-offensive that lasted several hours until about 3:00 a.m., successfully repelling the assault and forcing the insurgents into retreat.

The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, confirmed that the terrorist commander Abu Umar Bundi Munzir was among those killed during the intense firefight. He also stated that 24 other insurgents were neutralised, bringing the total number of terrorists killed in the operation to 25, while one fighter was captured alive and is currently in custody for interrogation.

Military authorities said the captured suspect is being questioned to provide intelligence on ISWAP operations, including logistics networks, recruitment structures, and possible hideouts used by the group across the region.

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Following the operation, troops conducted a battlefield exploitation exercise, which led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition used by the terrorists during the failed attack. The recovered items include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

Military sources also confirmed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter but have since been stabilised and are receiving medical treatment. An armoured reinforcement vehicle was also damaged after its tyres were hit during the exchange of fire.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar further stated that troops are continuing clearance and exploitation operations to track fleeing insurgents, recover abandoned equipment, and locate bodies along withdrawal routes reportedly marked by blood trails and medical supplies.

He described the operation as a major success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, adding that sustained military pressure will continue to deny terrorist groups freedom of action in the North-East theatre. Security officials say operations will remain active across vulnerable communities to prevent regrouping and further attacks.