Gunmen Abduct Father of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor on Way to Church

Gunmen Abduct Father of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor on Way to Church

Gunmen have kidnapped Mr Francis Igwe, the elderly father of Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, in an incident that has heightened concerns over insecurity and kidnapping in the state.

The abduction occurred on Sunday morning as Mr Igwe was travelling to church in his hometown of Ndufu‑Alike, located in Ikwo Local Government Area. Community sources said the victim was driving when armed men riding a motorcycle suddenly intercepted his vehicle.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants blocked his path, forced him out of the car, and whisked him away on their motorcycle to an unknown destination. As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand had been confirmed and the whereabouts of the abductors remained unclear.

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The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, confirmed the incident, stating that the local council was working closely with security agencies to gather intelligence that could lead to Mr Igwe’s safe rescue. He assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the victim.

Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, for official comments were unsuccessful as of Sunday.

The incident has sparked renewed concern among residents, with community leaders and locals calling for increased security patrols and urgent action to curb the spate of kidnappings targeting citizens and relatives of public figures in parts of Ebonyi State.

Gunmen Abduct Father of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor on Way to Church