UNIEC WORLDWIDE CALLS FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY OVER REPORTED NYSC ABDUCTIONS. Let evidence speak, protect innocent lives, and let justice prevail without fear or favour.

UNIEC WORLDWIDE REACTS TO IPOB’S STATEMENT ON NYSC ABDUCTIONS, SECURITY ALLEGATIONS AND POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY

OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONAL COMMENTARY

ENUGU, NIGERIA — 10 OCTOBER 2026

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has taken note of the press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), dated 10 October 2026, concerning reported abductions involving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State and allegations of political interference in the state’s security situation.

UNIEC considers the safety of NYSC members, students, travellers, residents and all innocent citizens a matter of urgent national importance. Kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion and violence against civilians are unacceptable and must be condemned without reservation.

THE NEED FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION

The IPOB statement makes serious allegations against Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and other actors, including claims of politically motivated insecurity, manufactured attacks and attempts to implicate Biafra agitators.

These allegations are grave. However, allegations must not automatically be treated as established facts. Claims of political conspiracy, complicity or deliberate manipulation of security operations require credible evidence and independent investigation.

UNIEC therefore calls upon appropriate security and investigative authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported abductions, examine alleged ransom transactions, identify those responsible and determine whether any individuals or institutions improperly influenced the incidents.

Investigations must be impartial, professionally conducted and transparent to the extent permitted by law. Nobody should be condemned solely on the basis of political affiliation, ethnic identity, public accusation or unverified intelligence claims.

PROTECTING CIVILIANS AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

UNIEC unequivocally condemns attacks on NYSC members and other civilians, regardless of the identity or affiliations of the perpetrators. Young Nigerians serving their country must not become victims of criminality, political rivalry or insecurity.

We caution against prematurely attributing criminal acts to IPOB, Biafra agitators, government officials or other organisations without verifiable evidence. Criminal responsibility must be established through lawful investigation and due process.

Equally, any organisation publicly dissociating itself from an alleged crime should cooperate with credible investigations and provide relevant information within the law. Public denials and counter-accusations cannot substitute for independently established facts.

ELDERLY WISDOM AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP

Our elders teach us: “When smoke rises from a neighbour’s compound, the wise elder investigates the fire before accusing anyone of setting it.”

This wisdom is particularly relevant when insecurity becomes entangled with political competition, ethnic suspicion and conflicting narratives. Reckless accusations can deepen mistrust, while silence in the face of credible evidence can undermine accountability.

UNIEC urges political leaders, security agencies, community organisations and self-determination advocates to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and place the protection of human life above partisan or ideological interests.

Another enduring lesson is that “Truth does not fear investigation, and justice does not require the destruction of innocent reputations.”

Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must face the law. Where allegations are unsupported, responsible authorities and public communicators should correct the record.

OUR CALL TO ACTION

UNIEC calls for:

1. A credible, impartial investigation into the reported NYSC abductions and associated ransom payments. 2. Appropriate protection for NYSC members, travellers, residents and vulnerable communities across the South-East. 3. Accountability for individuals whose criminal involvement is established through lawful procedures. 4. Responsible public communication distinguishing verified facts from allegations and political opinions. 5. Cooperation among security agencies, community leaders and relevant stakeholders to prevent further abductions and restore public confidence.

The South-East deserves peace, security, economic development and responsible governance. These objectives cannot be achieved through rumours, collective blame, political intimidation or unsubstantiated accusations. They require credible intelligence, professional policing, transparent institutions and cooperation between citizens and authorities.

Let the evidence speak. Let investigators establish the facts. Let the law determine responsibility. Let innocent people be protected, and let justice prevail without fear or favour.

UNIEC Worldwide remains committed to peace, constitutional order, human dignity, accountability and the collective wellbeing of Ndigbo and all Nigerians.

ONE PEOPLE • ONE HERITAGE • MANY VOICES • ONE COLLECTIVE DESTINY

Custodians of Heritage • Voices of Conscience • Advocates of Justice and Unity

Issued under the Authority of the Supreme Elderly Council

His Lordship, Bishop Justice Alpha Ikpeama Director-General (D-G) United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

Institutional Position: Non-Partisan • Non-Sectarian • Constitutionally Guided • Peace-Oriented • Elder-Statesmanship Driven