Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has expressed deep concern and alarm over the abduction of His Royal Highness Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, following reports that the monarch was kidnapped earlier this week, credible sources report.

The 68-year-old Igwe, who is also the father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Kelechi Igwe, was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday morning while on his way to church in the Ndufu-Alike community. Eyewitnesses said armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle forced him out and abducted him to an unknown location, triggering fear among residents of the area.

Governor Nwifuru described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable” noting that attacks on innocent citizens especially respected community leaders will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State. He directed that all security and intelligence resources in the state be fully mobilised to ensure the safe rescue of the traditional ruler and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“All security agencies in the state are to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” the governor said, urging residents particularly in Ikwo and surrounding communities to remain calm and vigilant and to provide any useful information that could assist ongoing operations.

The governor also appealed to the abductors to release the monarch unconditionally, warning that “the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone found culpable,” officials said. Nwifuru reiterated his confidence that with public cooperation and enhanced engagement by security agencies the traditional ruler would be safely reunited with his family.

Security operatives including the Nigeria Police Force and state intelligence units have been deployed to comb the area around Ikwo LGA in pursuit of the kidnappers, and residents said patrols have increased since the incident.