Saturday, March, 7 2026 - The abducted father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the police have confirmed.
The victim, Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of
Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state before his death.
According to the police, the monarch was abducted on Sunday,
March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Police
Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives launched
intensive operations immediately after the abduction was reported.
Ukandu explained that deploying technical and intelligence
assets led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the
kidnapping syndicate.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that
the monarch had been killed on March 2.
“They further volunteered to lead operatives to their
hideout and assist in recovering the monarch’s remains,” the statement said.
However, while approaching the hideout, other gang members
allegedly opened fire on the police team.
Ukandu said the operatives responded with superior
firepower, overpowering the criminals during the gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was
neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he added.
The police spokesman confirmed that seven additional
suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody
to nine.
He also stated that one locally made pistol was recovered
during the operation. Ukandu said the remains of the slain traditional ruler
had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts
continue to arrest other fleeing gang members.
He added that the suspects would be charged in court after
thorough investigations are concluded.
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