Kidnappers kill ex-Ebonyi deputy governor’s father

The father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed after he was abducted by kidnappers in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident involved Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community, who was taken by gunmen while travelling to church on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday through its spokesman, DSP Joshua Ukandu. He explained that the police began operations to rescue the monarch shortly after receiving information about the abduction.

According to the police, security operatives used intelligence gathering and technical support to track members of the gang believed to be responsible for the crime. During the operation, two suspects linked to the kidnapping were arrested.

Police said the suspects later admitted during questioning that the traditional ruler had been killed on March 2, a day after he was abducted. They also offered to take the police team to the location where the body was kept.

However, while officers were moving toward the hideout, other members of the gang reportedly attacked the police team with gunfire. The operatives returned fire and a gun battle followed.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed while others escaped from the scene. Police later carried out further operations which led to the arrest of seven more suspects connected to the case.

This brought the total number of suspects in custody to nine. The police also recovered a locally made pistol during the operation.

Authorities said the body of the slain traditional ruler had been found and taken to a morgue where an autopsy would be carried out. Investigations are still ongoing as security agents continue efforts to arrest the remaining suspects who fled during the confrontation.

The police added that those already arrested will face prosecution after the investigation is completed.