A disturbing tragedy has occurred in Ebonyi State after kidnappers murdered the father of a former Deputy Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe.
The victim, Francis Igwe, who was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while reportedly on his way to church.
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday, revealing that a swift and coordinated operation was launched immediately after the monarch’s abduction was reported.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives deployed intelligence and technical resources which led to the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping gang.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had already been killed a day after he was abducted.
“They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the monarch’s remains,” the statement said.
However, while the police team was approaching the hideout, the situation suddenly turned violent.
Ukandu explained that other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.
The police spokesman further revealed that seven more suspects were later arrested during follow-up operations, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine.
Operatives also recovered one locally made pistol during the raid.
Ukandu confirmed that the remains of the murdered traditional ruler have been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
The suspects remain in police custody as security agencies intensify efforts to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
Police authorities said the arrested suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
