Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has directed security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of abducted traditional ruler, Francis Igwe.

Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Sunday morning while on his way to church. He is the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Kelechi Igwe.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor described the abduction as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable.”

Nwifuru said all security agencies had been instructed to work in synergy to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“The state government will deploy all available apparatus to unmask those behind this criminal act and prevent any recurrence,” he said.

He urged residents, especially in Ikwo and neighbouring communities, to remain calm but vigilant and to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that Ebonyi would not become a haven for criminals.

He called on the abductors to release the traditional ruler unconditionally, warning that the full weight of the law would be brought upon anyone found culpable.

Nwifuru expressed confidence that, with public cooperation and the dedication of security agencies, the monarch would be safely reunited with his family.