Nwifuru Condemns Abduction of Ikwo Monarch, Orders Security Crackdown

Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Governor of Ebonyi State, has expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area.

The monarch, who is also the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Eric Kelechi Igwe, was reportedly abducted by suspected hoodlums on Sunday morning along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo LGA in the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District as he was on his way to church.

Naija News Today reported that the monarch and father of the former deputy governor was abducted on Sunday morning, a development that has heightened tension within the community and beyond.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru described the development as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” stressing that acts of criminality against innocent citizens, particularly revered community leaders, would not be tolerated in the state.

The governor expressed solidarity with the family of the abducted royal father and the people of Ikwo Local Government Area, assuring them that the state government had immediately activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the monarch’s safe and prompt rescue.

“All security agencies in the state have been directed to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the governor stated.

He emphasized that the government would deploy all available state resources to unmask those behind the crime and prevent any recurrence, reiterating his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.

Governor Nwifuru also called on residents, particularly those in Ikwo and surrounding communities, to remain calm but vigilant and to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing operations.

He further urged the perpetrators to release the abducted traditional ruler unconditionally, warning that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on anyone found culpable.

The governor expressed confidence that with public cooperation and the dedication of security agencies, the abducted monarch would be safely reunited with his family.