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 kidnappers.
Igwe, the father of former deputy governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted on Sunday, 1 March 2026, while travelling to church in the Ndufu-Alike community. Armed men riding a motorcycle reportedly intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and took him to an unknown destination.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the monarch was killed a day after his abduction.
Ukandu said that following the incident, operatives of the state command immediately launched intensive rescue operations aimed at securing the monarch’s freedom.
“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on 1st March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch,” he stated.
According to the police spokesperson, the deployment of technical and intelligence resources led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the crime.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on 2 March 2026. They also volunteered to guide operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the victim’s remains.
Ukandu further explained that when police operatives approached the location, other members of the gang opened fire, leading to a gun battle.
“However, 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 reported that one of the hoodlums was neutralised during the confrontation, while others fled the scene.
Subsequently, seven additional suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, and one locally made pistol was recovered.
Ukandu said the suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
“They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he added.
According to the police, the remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The killing of the traditional ruler has plunged the Ndufu-Alike community into mourning as residents struggle to come to terms with the loss of their monarch.