A publisher of a newspaper based in Ebonyi State has raised the alarm over alleged threat to his life and that of his family.
Chief Chidi Igwe, who publishes the National Issue Newspapers
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has also called on Gov. Francis Nwifuru to provide security to protect him and his immediate family.
In a security alert issued on Tuesday, Igwe alleged that
“hooded individuals, whose identities and intentions remain unknown, reportedly appeared at my private residence in Abakaliki in the early hours of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and began knocking on my door under circumstances that have raised serious concerns about my personal safety and that of members of my immediate family.”
He said with the prevailing political atmosphere in Ebonyi State, he could not afford to dismiss the incident as an ordinary occurrence, requiring that adequate security be provided for him and his family.
“While I do not wish to pre-empt any security investigation or make unsubstantiated allegations against any individual, the circumstances surrounding this development demand urgent attention from the relevant security agencies.
“I consider it necessary to place this incident in the public domain and formally demand adequate security protection before the situation deteriorates.
“I wish to state unequivocally that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as the chief executive of the state and a principal authority within its security architecture, must demonstrate his commitment to protecting the lives and property of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation or ideological differences.
“This demand becomes even more imperative against the backdrop of growing concerns about political intolerance, alleged acts of violence, threats against political actors and the disturbing atmosphere of insecurity surrounding political activities in the state,” Igwe saidh.
He pointed out that a society where allegations of attempted murder, political intimidation and other violent acts are not promptly investigated, and where perpetrators are allowed to evade accountability, sends a dangerous signal about the protection of human life and the rule of law.
Igwe made a six-point demand against the background of the incident at his house, asking, among other things, that the Ebonyi State government provides him 24-hour security cover.
“I formally demand that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru ensures the immediate provision of adequate, round-the-clock security protection for me and members of my immediate family.
“This protection should cover my private residence, office, children’s schools, places of public engagement and other locations considered necessary by the relevant security agencies.
“My position as a vocal critic of certain policies and programmes of the present administration should never become a justification for exposing me or my family to danger,” he demanded.
Igwe is also asking Governor Nwifuru to publicly condemn acts of violence and intimidation in the state.
“I call on Governor Nwifuru to publicly and unequivocally condemn all forms of political violence, intimidation, attempted assassination and threats against opposition candidates, political supporters, journalists and other dissenting voices in Ebonyi State.
“The Governor must demonstrate, through words and concrete actions, that his administration has absolutely no tolerance for political violence, regardless of who is involved or which political interest benefits,” Igwe stated.
Insisting that he is not deterred in his convictions, the publisher said he would not abandon his right of expression.
“I wish to make it abundantly clear that nobody should attempt to frighten, intimidate, harass or coerce me into abandoning my convictions or surrendering my constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“My critical position on the policies and programmes of the present administration is motivated by my conviction that Ebonyi deserves better governance, accountability, transparency and a sustainable future for the next generation.
“I will not abandon that responsibility because of threats or intimidation. Political disagreement must never translate into a death sentence, and criticism of government must never become an invitation to persecution.”
He urged the public not to ignore his notice if anything happened to him.
“I am making this statement publicly because I do not want the concerns surrounding my personal safety to remain undocumented.
“Should anything untoward happen to me or any member of my immediate family, the circumstances surrounding this reported incident and this formal demand for security protection must form part of any subsequent investigation.
“I am not accusing any individual of responsibility for this incident. However, I insist that the appropriate authorities take preventive measures now rather than wait for an avoidable tragedy,” Igwe noted.
He said channels of communication through which he could be reached are in the public domain and urged security agencies to use them if they needed clarifications.
“Should any security agency or government institution require my attention, clarification or cooperation regarding any matter, the appropriate official channels of communication should be adopted.
“My contact details and addresses are available in the public domain. I remain willing to cooperate with lawful investigations and legitimate security inquiries.
However, nobody should use impersonation, unidentified visitors or suspicious late-night approaches as a means of intimidating or frightening me and my family.”
Igwe called on the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and the Inspector General of Police, the National Assembly, among other organisations, to take interest in the security of politicians in Ebonyi State.
“I urge these institutions to monitor the security situation in Ebonyi State, advise the relevant authorities and take appropriate steps to prevent political intimidation and violence,” he said.
Igwe maintained that his notice was not aimed at seeking special privileges, but a demand for the protection of his rights.
“Let it be clearly understood that I am not asking for special privileges. I am demanding the protection of my fundamental right to life and the safety of my immediate family as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I am a journalist, publisher and political commentator. My responsibility is to speak, question, interrogate government policies and demand accountability in the interest of the people.
“I may disagree with Governor Nwifuru, criticise his administration and challenge policies I consider detrimental to the collective future of Ebonyi State.
“However, none of these disagreements should make me an enemy deserving of intimidation or physical harm,” he said.
Igwe urged Gov. Nwifuru to ensure that every citizen of Ebonyi State is guaranteed.
“Governor Nwifuru must demonstrate that the security of every Ebonyi citizen matters, including those who disagree with his administration. “I have made my concerns public. I have formally demanded protection. I expect the relevant authorities to act with urgency and responsibility,” he stated.
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