Army
According to a report by Punch Newspaper, on Saturday , January 17, 2026, Merit, daughter of late Callista Ifedi, has given an account of how her parents were arrested by security operatives in 2021 and how the family was left without information about their whereabouts for several years, until December 2025 when her father was released.
Official information
Speaking on behalf of the family, she explained that the arrest took place at their residence in Enugu and that repeated efforts to locate or get official information about her parents after the incident were unsuccessful, leaving the family in prolonged uncertainty.Merit explained that she is the first child and first daughter of the family. She stated that she is 23 years old and described the family structure, noting that there are three children in total.
According to her, the second child is 21 years old, while the youngest, a boy, turned 19 in November of the previous year.
Creating Fear and Confusion
She said the family has lived in Enugu for years and that their parents’ arrest disrupted their normal family life and responsibilities .Recounting the events of the arrest, Merit said security personnel came to their home and took her mother away.She explained that the incident happened suddenly and without prior notice, creating fear and confusion within the household.
Further explained
According to her account, the operatives arrived at the house and demanded access, leaving the family unsure of what was happening or why their parents were being targeted.She further explained that it was only after the operatives arrived that the family noticed they were wearing army uniforms. She said they threatened to force their way into the house if the door was not opened.
Merit stated that her father eventually opened the back door, through which the operatives entered the house.
ALSO READ ; Union County Arkansas Sheriff Department Announces Promotions To Criminal Investigation Division
Presence of Armed Personnel heightened
She said the manner of entry and the presence of armed personnel heightened the tension and fear experienced by the family members.Merit noted that after the arrest, the family made several attempts to find out where their parents were taken.She said they visited different offices and reached out to individuals who they thought could assist, but no clear information was provided.According to her, the lack of communication from authorities made it difficult for the family to understand the situation or take steps to secure legal or humanitarian assistance. this family incident was amazed and different for others.
Presence or Guidance
She explained that for years following the arrest, the family lived with uncertainty about their parents’ condition and location. this family incident was amazed and different for others.Merit said this period was marked by emotional distress and practical challenges, as the children had to cope without their parents’ presence or guidance. this family incident was amazed and different for others.
She added that despite the prolonged silence, the family continued to seek information through available channels.
Experience of the Arrest
Merit stated that in December 2025, her father was finally released, bringing an end to years of unanswered questions about his whereabouts. this family incident was amazed and different for others.She explained that while his release provided some clarity, the experience of the arrest and the long period without information had already deeply affected the family. this family incident was amazed and different for others.
She maintained that her account was shared to document what the family went through from the time of the arrest to the eventual release of her father. this family incident was amazed and different for others.