CHUKA UBAH
The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide has condemned the robbery and kidnapping incident reported along the Onitsha-Owerri Road on October 1, 2026, describing it as barbaric and a serious threat to peace and security in the South East.
In a press statement issued by its National Executive Council and signed by the National President, Dr Ugochukwu Nnajiofor, the socio-cultural organisation said the attack on innocent citizens was unacceptable and called for immediate intervention by security agencies and state governments.
The group said it received the news of the incident with deep concern, noting that the Onitsha-Owerri Road remains a critical economic and social corridor connecting major commercial cities in Imo, Anambra and neighbouring states. It warned that continued insecurity on the route could disrupt movement, commerce and public confidence if not urgently addressed.
According to the statement, the National Executive Council under the leadership of Dr Nnajiofor condemns the act in its entirety and sympathises with the victims and their families. The organisation stressed that every citizen has a right to safety while travelling for business, family or social engagements, especially during a period of national significance.
October 1 is Nigeria’s Independence Day, a day typically marked by increased inter-state travel as people visit family members and attend public events. The group said it was particularly disturbing that criminal elements would choose such a day to unleash fear on road users.
Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies, in collaboration with the Anambra and Imo State Governments, to urgently investigate the incident, ensure the safe rescue of any abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice in line with the law.
The organisation also demanded immediate reinforcement of security along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, including increased patrols, intelligence-led operations and sustained surveillance to deter further attacks. It said proactive measures were needed, rather than reactive responses after each incident.
“We stand for peace, security, and protection of our people anywhere in Igbo land. We sympathise with all victims and their families. We demand immediate action and security reinforcement on Onitsha-Owerri Road,” the statement read.
Security concerns on major highways in the South East have remained a source of worry for residents, transporters and business owners in recent years. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between federal security agencies, state governments and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and rapid response.
The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly said it remains committed to advocating for the welfare and safety of Igbo people at home and in the diaspora. It urged community leaders, traditional institutions and youth groups to support security agencies with credible information that could aid prevention and rescue efforts.
The group also appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report suspicious movements to the nearest security post, while assuring that it would continue to lend its voice to issues affecting peace and development in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities were yet to issue an official update on the incident. Efforts to obtain confirmation on the number of persons affected and the current status of rescue operations were ongoing.
The organisation reiterated its position that criminality in any form has no place in Igbo land and pledged to continue working with relevant stakeholders to promote peace, unity and security.