Gov. Nwifuru Condemns Abduction of Ikwo Monarch, Orders Immediate Rescue

Governor Francis Nwifuru 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 and father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Kelechi Igwe.

The monarch was reportedly abducted by suspected hoodlums on Sunday morning while on his way to church along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo LGA in the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru described the incident as deeply troubling and totally unacceptable.

He stressed that acts of criminality against innocent citizens, particularly revered community leaders, would not be tolerated in Ebonyi State. The Governor expressed solidarity with the family of the abducted royal father and the people of Ikwo Local Government Area, assuring that the state government has immediately activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the safe and prompt rescue of the monarch. According to him, all security agencies in the state have been directed to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Governor Nwifuru further emphasized that the government would deploy all available state apparatus and resources to unmask those behind the criminal act and prevent any recurrence. He called on residents of Ikwo and surrounding communities to remain calm but vigilant, urging them to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing operations. Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state, the Governor reassured the public that Ebonyi State would not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals. He also 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 Ebonyi State Government remains confident that with the cooperation of the public and the dedication of security agencies, the abducted royal father will be safely reunited with his family,” the statement added.