Pix: Governor Francis Nwifuru

By Tunji Braimoh, Staff Writer, People’s Security Monitor

The Ebonyi State Government has submitted an executive bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to make kidnapping a capital offence punishable by death without the option of an alternative sentence, following the gruesome murder of a traditional ruler in the state.

Governor Francis Nwifuru disclosed this at the weekend during the funeral of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike autonomous community in Ikwo Local Government Area, who was abducted and subsequently killed by his captors.

The deceased monarch, father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Igwe, was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, while travelling to church and murdered the following day. Nwifuru condemned the killing, describing it as a disturbing development that underscored the need for stronger measures against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The governor expressed concern over what he described as the declining moral standards among some Nigerian youths, warning that their attitudes towards community leaders and authority figures could undermine the country’s future. He urged young people to reconsider their actions and respect traditional institutions and leaders.

Nwifuru vowed to ensure that justice was served in the monarch’s murder, promising to implement the court’s decision against those found guilty. He said the proposed legislation would serve as a strong deterrent to kidnappers, regardless of whether their activities were politically motivated or driven by other interests.

The governor described the late monarch as an outspoken, principled and accomplished leader who represented his people effectively in the old Anambra State and contributed significantly to the development of his community, including the establishment of the renowned Folk Technical College. Former governors Sam Egwu and Martin Elechi, alongside former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as a statesman, peacemaker, educationist and community leader.

The monarch’s first son, Igwe, described his father as a devoted family man and mentor whose guidance shaped his life, while expressing confidence that his legacy would endure. He thanked sympathisers for their support and disclosed that his father’s last wish was for Governor Nwifuru to secure a second term. Earlier, a sermon delivered on behalf of the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Abel Amadi, urged Christians to remain spiritually prepared for eternity.