Ebonyi ex-deputy governor’s father Igwe kidnapped

Sources in the area told our reporter that the elder Igwe was driving to church when gunmen on a motorcycle double-crossed him.

They allegedly forced him out of the car onto their motorcycle and zoomed off to an unknown destination.

Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, confirmed the incident.

He said the local government is collaborating with security agents to piece the information available together and see how he could be rescued.

Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident yesterday in Abakaliki.

“Yes, it is true, we are aware of the matter. He was kidnapped in Ikwo Council Area. Our men have been mobilised to the area for investigation and to find means for his rescue.

“It is very unfortunate,” he added

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has expressed concern over the abduction of the monarch.

Nwifuru described the development as troubling and unacceptable, noting that acts of criminality against innocent citizens, especially revered community leaders, would not be tolerated in Ebonyi.

The governor, while expressing solidarity with the family of the abducted royal father and the people of Ikwo Local Government Area, assured that the state government had activated security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the safe and prompt rescue of the monarch.

According to the governor, “all security agencies in the state have been directed to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “

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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, 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, emphasising that the full weight of the law would 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 added.