Abakaliki —Governor Francis Nwifuru has decried the abduction of a prominent traditional ruler in the state, describing the development as disturbing and unacceptable.
The monarch, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, who presides over Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was reportedly taken by gunmen on Sunday morning while travelling to church.
Sources within the community said the royal father was driving along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo when armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle. The attackers were said to have blocked his path, forced him out of his car and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
Ezeogo Igwe is the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Kelechi Igwe.
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru assured residents that security agencies had been fully mobilised to secure the monarch’s release.
He expressed solidarity with the family of the abducted ruler and the people of Ikwo LGA, pledging that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted.
According to the governor, all security formations in the state have been directed to collaborate and intensify efforts to track the perpetrators. He stressed that the state government would deploy every available resource to ensure the safe return of the traditional ruler and prevent similar occurrences.
Nwifuru also appealed to residents to remain calm while staying alert, urging anyone with useful information to assist security operatives in their ongoing investigation.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance on security, the governor maintained that Ebonyi would not tolerate criminal activity or allow its communities to become a refuge for lawbreakers. He further called on the abductors to release the monarch without conditions, warning that the law would take its course against anyone involved.
As of press time, security agencies had yet to announce any breakthrough in the search, but authorities expressed optimism that the royal father would soon be reunited with his family.
