Gunmen kidnap Ebonyi traditional ruler

•Gov Nwifuru sad over abduction

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Gunmen have kidnapped  Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-alike community , Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State

The gunmen  abducted Igwe who is the father of former Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe yesterday morning on his way to church in the  community.

A family source disclosed that the monarch  was driving when the  armed men riding a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle.

The source further revealed that the hoodlums double-crossed him, forced him out of his car, and took him away on their motorcycle to an undisclosed location.

Chairman of   Ikwo LG ,  Sunday Nwankwo, confirmed the incident.

He said the council was working with security agencies to assemble available information and facilitate his rescue.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State Governor ,  Francis Nwifuru has  expressed deep concern over the  abduction of  Igwe the  father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state.

Nwifuru described the incident 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.

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

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 .”