09/03/2026
A REBUTTAL FOLLOWING THE VINDICATING VOICE NOTE FROM THE PEOPLE OF IFITE-OGWARI.
Following the voice note currently circulating from members of Ifite-Ogwari concerning the kidnapping of their son along the Anaku–Adani road, it has now become evident that the earlier reckless allegation made by Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue against the peaceful town of Anaku was not only premature but entirely unfounded.
Before the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident were properly established, Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue hurried to the public space to accuse Anaku of complicity in the kidnapping and went further to insinuate that the victim was sacrificed to the Ekwensu deity. Such a grave allegation coming from a sitting member of the House of Assembly is not only irresponsible but also dangerous, capable of igniting unnecessary tension among communities within Ayamelum Local Government Area.
However, the indicating voice note from Ifite-Ogwari has now exposed the weakness and recklessness of the narrative promoted by Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue. Rather than allowing security agencies to conduct a proper investigation into the incident, Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue chose the path of public accusation without evidence, thereby attempting to tarnish the image of an entire community.
Further clarification emerging from Anaku also helped to place the matter in its proper perspective, the ceremony actually took place today at Anaku for the celebration of the Ekwensu deity, which Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue ignorantly attempted to misrepresent. The Nigeria Police, other relevant security authorities, and men of the press were noticeably present throughout the ceremony, and indeed the general public also observed the events. Their presence further confirms that the allegations of human sacrifice previously made by Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue are completely false and misleading.
It is equally important to remind the public that Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue himself has had a troubling history in relation to Anaku. The people of Anaku have not forgotten the unfortunate past incident in which Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue allegedly carried out acts of aggression against the community, during which he was reportedly seen wielding a fi***rm and advancing toward Umuaro Anaku. Despite the seriousness of that incident, the people of Anaku exercised restraint and chose the path of peace rather than retaliation.
It is therefore both ironic and unfortunate that Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue, who once benefited from the restraint and maturity of the people of Anaku, now seeks to malign the same community through unfounded accusations.
In light of the clarification now coming from Ifite-Ogwari and the developments surrounding the ceremony that took place today in Anaku, Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue owes the people of Anaku and the entire Ayamelum Local Government Area a clear explanation. Why was he so quick to accuse Anaku without investigation? What informed the certainty with which he publicly alleged ritual sacrifice before the facts were known?
Until Mr. Mmaduaburochukwu Udemezue provides credible evidence to support his claims, the people of Anaku and the wider public are justified in treating his statement as reckless, misleading, and an unfortunate abuse of the influence that comes with public office.
The truth is gradually coming to light, and once again it has vindicated the peace-loving people of Anaku.
