Abductors murder former Ebonyi state deputy governor's dad

The police have confirmed that Francis Igwe, the father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, and traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was killed by his kidnappers.

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Francis Igwe was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church, prompting an immediate response from the police, who launched intensive operations to rescue him.

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The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, explaining that the police used technical and intelligence assets to track down the kidnappers.

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This led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate, who during interrogation, confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, and offered to lead the police to the hideout and help recover the remains.

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However, as the police team approached the hideout, they were met with gunfire from other gang members, which was met with superior firepower from the operatives, resulting in the neutralization of one hoodlum and the escape of others.

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DSP Ukandu stated that a total of nine suspects are now in custody, including seven additional suspects arrested later, and one locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.

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The remains of the slain traditional ruler have been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy, according to Ukandu, who added that the suspects will be charged to court after thorough investigations are concluded.

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Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members, with the nine suspects currently in police custody facing charges once the investigation is complete.