Nwifuru mobilizes security to rescue kidnapped Ebonyi monarch

2026-03-01 - 18:37

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has activated all security and intelligence resources to ensure the safe rescue of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, who was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday morning. Ezeogo Igwe is also the father of a former deputy governor of the state. According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, the abduction occurred along the Nwakpu axis of Ikwo LGA while the monarch was on his way to church. Governor Nwifuru described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” stressing that attacks on innocent citizens, especially revered community leaders, will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State. “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 said, noting that all state apparatus and resources will be deployed to prevent recurrence. He also urged residents, particularly in Ikwo and surrounding areas, to remain calm, vigilant, and provide any useful information to assist security operations. Governor Nwifuru further called on the abductors to release the monarch unconditionally, warning that “the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone found culpable.” “The Ebonyi State Government remains confident that with public cooperation and the dedication of security agencies, the abducted royal father will be safely reunited with his family,” he added.