The abducted traditional ruler of the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, has been killed by his abductors, police confirmed on Friday.
Igwe, the father of former deputy governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in the community.
According to police, the attackers riding on a motorcycle intercepted the monarch’s vehicle, forced him out and took him to an unknown destination.
The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, said the monarch was killed a day after the abduction.
Ukandu said police operatives immediately launched intensive operations to rescue the royal father after the incident was reported.
“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on March 1, 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch,” he said.
He added that the deployment of technical and intelligence resources led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping gang.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026, and offered to lead security operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the victim’s remains.
Ukandu said that as operatives approached the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire, prompting a gun battle.
“Upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang,” he said.
Police said one suspect was killed during the exchange of fire, while others fled the scene.
Seven additional suspects were later arrested in connection with the crime, and a locally made pistol was recovered.
Ukandu said the suspects remain in police custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
The police spokesperson added that the remains of the slain traditional ruler were later recovered and deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The killing has thrown the Ndufu-Alike community into mourning as residents grapple with the loss of their traditional ruler.
