Imo State is on edge following the abduction of a former state lawmaker, Ngozi Ogbu, by armed men who claim to be members of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). The kidnappers released a disturbing video showing the former legislator in distress, warning they will kill him if their demands are not met.
The incident has sparked widespread concern about security in the state, especially in the Okigwe region, where separatist violence and clashes with security agencies have escalated in recent months.
🧍♂️ Who is Ngozi Ogbu?
Ngozi Ogbu is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former representative of the Okigwe State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly. Known for his grassroots influence in the Onuimo Local Government Area, Ogbu has remained active in local politics even after leaving office.
He was reportedly abducted on September 7, 2025, while traveling within the Onuimo area. Details of the abduction remained sketchy until a graphic video surfaced online showing him barefoot and shirtless, pleading for his life.
📹 What’s in the Video?
In the video, Ogbu appears distressed, kneeling, and appealing directly to the Imo State Government. He begged for the withdrawal of security forces from the “White House area” in Okigwe, a known hotspot for clashes between separatists and security agents.
Standing beside him is a masked individual, heavily armed, who claims to represent the Biafra Liberation Army — a previously little-known group. The speaker accuses the state government of collaborating with security operatives to poison one of their own, a man named Ifeanyi Eze, also known as Gentle De Yahoo.
“We are not kidnappers. We are only reacting to the government’s betrayal,” the masked figure declared in the video.
“If security forces do not leave the area, we will kill this man.”
🚨 Police Response: Tactical Units Deployed
The Imo State Police Command has officially confirmed the abduction. In a press statement, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma announced the immediate deployment of tactical units to rescue the abducted lawmaker and neutralize the threat.
Key points from the police response:
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Tactical Deployment: Rapid Response Squads and Anti-Kidnapping Units are now active in Okigwe and surrounding LGAs.
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Collaboration with Other Forces: Police are working closely with the military, DSS, and civil defense units.
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Identification of Suspects: Authorities believe the group may be linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — despite the group calling itself the BLA.
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Public Appeal: The police are urging citizens to stay calm, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or persons.
🏛️ State Government Reacts: No Room for Politics
The Imo State Government has condemned the abduction in strong terms. In a press briefing, the Commissioner for Information stated that Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration is fully committed to rescuing Ogbu and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The government also sent a stern warning to political actors, cautioning them against using the incident to score political points or spread disinformation that could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations.
“This is not the time for political drama. This is a matter of life and death,” the spokesperson said.
“The government is doing everything necessary to secure Hon. Ogbu’s release safely.”
🧠 What Do We Know About the “Biafra Liberation Army”?
While IPOB and its military wing ESN have been active in the South-East, the “Biafra Liberation Army” (BLA) has not been widely known until now. Security experts believe it may be:
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A splinter group from IPOB/ESN,
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A new militant faction using separatist ideology for violent purposes,
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Or possibly a facade to confuse authorities and hide the real identity of the assailants.
Whatever the case, the video and method of operation show a high level of coordination, and the use of media and propaganda is clearly intended to sway public sentiment and put pressure on the government.
🔍 What’s Next?
As of today, rescue operations are underway, and the security presence in Okigwe has been increased. Intelligence gathering has intensified, and checkpoints have been mounted across sensitive routes.
For residents, especially those in Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs, the situation is tense. Many fear retaliatory clashes, especially if the kidnappers carry out their threats or if a confrontation erupts during the rescue effort.
📣 Public Reaction and National Implications
The abduction has triggered outrage on social media, with many calling for swift government action. Others are questioning how such an attack could happen in broad daylight without early detection.
The incident also adds to the growing list of security concerns in the South-East, where separatist tensions, armed gangs, and political instability have continued to threaten peace and development.
For the national government, this situation presents another litmus test in managing internal security and insurgency, especially as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 elections.
📌 Conclusion: A Nation on Alert
As the hours tick by, the fate of Ngozi Ogbu remains uncertain, but what is clear is this: Nigeria’s security challenges are far from over.
The use of violence, propaganda, and political hostage-taking by armed groups is a dangerous trend that could further destabilize the country if left unchecked.
For now, all eyes are on Imo State and the hope is that dialogue, intelligence, and coordinated action will lead to the safe return of the abducted lawmaker, and a step toward peace in the region.
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