By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis 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.

The Incident occurred along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo LGA in the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District as the traditional ruler was said to be on his way to the church.

Nwifuru in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and Made available to journalists in Abakaliki described the development as deeply troubling and totally unacceptable, noting that acts of criminality against innocent citizens, especially revered community leaders, will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State.

The Governor, while expressing solidarity with the family of the abducted royal father and the entire people of Ikwo Local Government Area, assured that the Ebonyi State Government has immediately activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the safe and prompt rescue of the monarch.

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

He stressed that the government will deploy all available state apparatus and resources to unmask those behind the criminal act and prevent any recurrence.

Nwifuru further 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.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration 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.

The Governor 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,” he said.

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