ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA (NPA): Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has condemned the abduction of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former Deputy Governor Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe. The monarch was reportedly kidnapped by suspected hoodlums on Sunday morning while on his way to church.
Governor Nwifuru described the incident as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” stressing that criminal acts against innocent citizens, particularly respected community leaders, will not be tolerated in Ebonyi State. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, on March 1, 2026, the governor announced that the state government has activated all security and intelligence mechanisms to ensure the monarch’s safe rescue.
He further directed security agencies to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, pledging that the government will deploy all available resources to unmask those behind the crime and prevent future occurrences.
Kidnapping remains a widespread challenge in Nigeria, driven by poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement. While ransom payments are the primary motive, political grievances, ethnic tensions, and insurgency also contribute to the menace. The consequences are far-reaching, eroding public trust, discouraging investment, and instilling fear in communities. Experts emphasize that solutions must combine stronger security operations with socio-economic reforms. The Nigerian government has introduced tougher anti-kidnapping laws, launched military campaigns against bandits, and invested in community policing.
