HRH Pascal Nwagbake, the traditional regent of Ezeala Owerre, and Hon. Kenneth Nwachukwu, a community leader in Umunumo, have been abducted in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. The abduction reportedly occurred last week at Aba Branch, Ehime Mbano.
Sources indicate that HRH Nwagbake was taken from his residence on the night of Thursday, 20 February 2025, after gunmen fired shots into the air. The two men were abducted separately. As of yet, no ransom demands have been made.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ehime Mbano Branch, expressed deep concern over the abduction in a statement released by their Coordinator, Comr. G.O. Chidera.
“We as a community and family are deeply concerned about his safety and well-being and that of Hon. Kenneth, and we urge and appeal to the kidnappers to release them unharmed,” the statement read. The NYCN also highlighted their fear that the elderly leaders might not be receiving necessary medical care.
The statement further emphasised the community’s recent loss of three members in Umueze 1, who were killed in Anambra State, underscoring their heightened anxiety for the safety of the abducted leaders.
The Ehime Mbano LG-NYCN Branch called upon the Local Government Chairman, the Local Government Security Network, the Imo State Secretary to the State Government, the Imo State Police Command, and Nigerian authorities to take immediate action to secure the safe release of HRH Nwagbake and Hon. Nwachukwu. They also appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the rescue efforts.
Chidera reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working tirelessly for the safe return of the abducted men and advocating for the safety and security of all Nigerians.
