The Forum of Former Members of the Imo State House of Assembly (FOMIHA) has demanded urgent action from Governor Hope Uzodimma following the abduction of ex-lawmaker Hon. Ngozi Ogbu in Okigwe.
Ogbu was seized by gunmen at Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area while travelling to his community to consult on burial arrangements for his late mother. The incident has thrown his family and colleagues into distress, with a video circulating online showing him in a distressed condition while his captors issued threats to kill him if their demands were not met.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, FOMIHA described the development as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” insisting that the handling of the case would test both the leadership of Governor Uzodimma and the capacity of Imo’s security agencies.
“Hon. Ogbu is a peaceful man, a lover of youths, and one who has touched the lives of many across Okigwe. That he should be subjected to such torment, especially while mourning his mother, is deeply tragic,” the statement read.
The forum noted Ogbu’s fragile health and warned that his situation underscored the state’s fragile security climate. It called on security operatives to act decisively, stressing that “the world is watching Imo State” and that the outcome would send a powerful message about the government’s seriousness in tackling insecurity.
Specifically, FOMIHA urged Uzodimma to deploy all resources of government to ensure Ogbu’s safe release.
“This is a test of leadership, and history will not forgive inaction at such a critical moment,” Nzekwe declared.
The group concluded with a stark warning: “Imo State cannot afford to let this incident linger. The life of Hon. Ngozi Ogbu must be saved now.”
