Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep concern over the abduction of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Council Area of Ebonyi State.

Ezeogo Igwe, who is also the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, was reportedly abducted by suspected hoodlums yesterday along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo Council in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District while on his way to church.

Community sources disclosed that Igwe was driving when armed men riding a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle.

The assailants allegedly double-crossed him, forced him out of his car, and whisked him away on their motorcycle to an unknown destination.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor described the incident 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 expressed solidarity with the family of the abducted monarch and the people of Ikwo Local Council Area, assuring them that the state government had immediately activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to secure his safe and prompt rescue.

He said: “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 stressed that the government would deploy all available state security apparatus and resources to unmask those behind the abduction and prevent recurrence.

He further called on residents of Ikwo and surrounding communities to remain calm but vigilant, urging them to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their ongoing operations.

Nwifuru reiterated his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, declaring that Ebonyi State would not be allowed to become a haven for criminals.