Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, 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, Kelechi Igwe, by suspected armed men on Sunday morning.
The incident occurred along the Nwakpu axis of the council area, as the traditional ruler was reportedly on his way to church.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Monday Uzor, and obtained by Channels Television.
Governor Nwifuru 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.
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While expressing solidarity with the family of the abducted royal father and the people of Ikwo Local Government Area, the governor assured that the Ebonyi State Government had 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.”
He stressed that the government would deploy all available state apparatus and resources to unmask those behind the criminal act and prevent any recurrence.
He 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.
Nwifuru reiterated the commitment of his administration to the protection of lives and property across the state and reassured the people 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, emphasizing that the full weight of the law would be brought to bear on anyone found culpable.
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