Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The abducted father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the police have confirmed.
Igwe, who was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was reportedly abducted on Sunday morning while on his way to church.
His son, Kelechi Igwe, served as Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ebonyi State Police Command said the traditional ruler was kidnapped on March 1, 2026.
Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives immediately launched intensive operations to rescue the monarch after the incident was reported.
He explained that the deployment of technical and intelligence assets led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Ukandu said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026.
“They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch,” the statement said.
However, while approaching the hideout, other members of the gang reportedly opened fire on the operatives.
The police said the operatives responded with superior firepower and overpowered the criminals during the gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” the statement added.
Ukandu said seven additional suspects were subsequently arrested, while a locally made pistol was recovered from them.
He also confirmed that the remains of the slain traditional ruler were later recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
According to him, the suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
