Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, by suspected hoodlums on Sunday morning.
According to reports, the traditional ruler was on his way to church when the hoodlums struck.
Governor Nwifuru, in a statement signed and issued on Sunday by Monday Uzor, his Chief Press Secretary, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as deeply troubling and totally unacceptable.
“Acts of criminality against innocent citizens, especially revered community leaders, will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State,” the Governor said.
He assured the family of the abducted royal father and the people of Ikwo Local Government Area that the government has immediately activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the safe and prompt rescue of the monarch.
“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.
Nwifuru stressed that the government will deploy all available state apparatus and resources to unmask those behind the criminal act and prevent any recurrence.
He called on residents of the state, 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.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and reassured the people that Ebonyi State will not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals.
He also urged the perpetrators to release the abducted traditional ruler unconditionally, emphasizing that the full weight of the law will 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.
Security operatives have commenced a manhunt for the abductors, with investigations ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the monarch.