Nwifuru sad over abduction of Ebonyi ex-deputy gov’s father

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of HRH Francis Igwe the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state and father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state.

The monarch was kidnapped along Nwakpu axis of the local government on his way to the church on Sunday.

Governor Francis 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 .