State Leader Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Murdered Ebonyi King, Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice

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Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late traditional ruler, Francis Igwe, who was recently killed after being abducted.

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The monarch was the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Eric Igwe.

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Nwifuru disclosed this in a post shared on his Facebook page on Friday, noting that scheduled activities of the State Executive Council were suspended to enable officials pay the condolence visit and show solidarity with the bereaved family.

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“Today, I led members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late HRH Eze Francis Igwe, father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe,” the governor said.

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He described the killing of the monarch as tragic and said the incident had deeply saddened the government and people of the state.

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“The late royal father, who was abducted on March 1, 2026, was tragically murdered in circumstances that have deeply saddened the government and people of Ebonyi State,” he added.

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During the visit, the governor said he conveyed the condolences of the state government and also briefed the family on security reports regarding the incident and the progress of investigations.

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“I assured them that those responsible for this heinous crime have been apprehended and will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

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According to him, investigations are ongoing to ensure that anyone connected to the killing is brought to justice.

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“Our administration will not tolerate criminality or allow those who threaten the peace and safety of our people to go unpunished,” the governor stated.

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He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting lives and property across the state.

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On behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi State, Nwifuru extended condolences to the monarch’s family and the people of the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area.

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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force had earlier confirmed that the monarch was killed by his abductors after he was kidnapped on March 1 while on his way to church.

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The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives launched an intensive operation immediately after the abduction was reported.

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According to him, two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate were arrested through intelligence-led operations.

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During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch was killed on March 2 and offered to lead security operatives to the gang’s hideout.

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Ukandu added that while approaching the hideout, other gang members opened fire on the police team, prompting a gun battle.

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He further disclosed that seven additional suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine.

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