By John Attah
Publisher of National Issue Newspapers, Chief Igwe Emmanuel Chidi, has raised the alarm over an alleged security threat to his life and family following the reported appearance of unidentified hooded persons at his residence in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Igwe, in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, said the unidentified individuals appeared at his private residence in the early hours of the day and knocked on his door under circumstances he described as suspicious.
Worried over the safety of his family, the publisher appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to provide immediate round-the-clock security protection for him and his immediate family.
He also called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), National Human Rights Commission and the National Assembly to intervene and monitor the situation.
Although he said he was not accusing any individual or institution of responsibility for the incident, Igwe insisted that the development required urgent investigation and preventive action by security agencies.
“Given the prevailing political atmosphere in Ebonyi State, I cannot afford to dismiss this incident as an ordinary occurrence. 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,” he said.
The publisher specifically requested security protection for his residence, office, children’s schools, places of public engagement and other locations considered necessary by security agencies.
He maintained that his criticism of government policies and programmes should not expose him or members of his family to intimidation or physical harm.
Igwe also urged Governor Nwifuru to publicly condemn political violence, intimidation, threats and attacks against opposition politicians, journalists, political supporters and other citizens expressing dissenting opinions.
According to him, political disagreements should never be allowed to threaten human lives, stressing that citizens have a constitutional right to criticise government policies.
“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 stated.
He further declared that he would not abandon his convictions or stop demanding accountability from government because of alleged threats or intimidation.
The publisher, however, urged security agencies and government institutions to use recognised official channels whenever they require his attention or cooperation on any matter.
He said he remained willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but cautioned against the use of impersonation, unidentified visitors or suspicious late-night approaches capable of frightening him and his family.
Igwe also appealed to international human rights organisations and diplomatic missions to take an interest in the protection of political actors, journalists, opposition supporters and other citizens in Ebonyi State.
Explaining his decision to make the incident public, he said he wanted his concerns formally documented, adding that the circumstances surrounding the reported incident should be considered in any future investigation should anything happen to him or his family.
He stressed that he was not demanding special privileges but the protection of his fundamental right to life and the safety of his immediate family.
“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.
“The right to criticise government is not a crime. Political differences must never become a licence to threaten human life,” he declared.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no independent confirmation of the alleged appearance of the unidentified individuals, while no official response had been received from the Ebonyi State Government or relevant security agencies.
