Former Imo State Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Fabian Ihekweme, has reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen, sparking fresh concerns about rising insecurity in the region.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Ihekweme’s residence, leaving the community in shock. A video circulating online features a distressed woman identifying herself as Ihekweme’s wife, making an emotional appeal for her husband’s safe return.
Recounting the events leading to the abduction, she explained, “The assailants first brought my husband’s driver to our house and used him to lure my husband outside. As soon as he stepped out, they seized him.”
Visibly distraught, she added, “I don’t know why my family is being targeted. I have no ties to Imo politics, yet they are trailing me and my children. I don’t know my husband’s whereabouts. He is still being held. Ndi Imo, please help me.”
Ihekweme served as a commissioner from 2020 to 2022 under the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma but later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In October, he publicly criticized the governor, accusing him of failing to recognize his contributions to Uzodimma’s re-election campaign.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Imo State Police Command spokesperson Henry Okoye stated that the command had not yet been briefed about the abduction.
This alarming incident underscores the growing security challenges in the region, which have left many residents and families living in fear. Calls for swift action by the authorities to ensure Ihekweme’s safe release and address the broader security concerns are growing louder.
