The father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed by his abductors, the police have confirmed.
The victim, Francis Igwe, a traditional ruler in Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.
Police authorities disclosed that the monarch was later murdered by the kidnappers on March 2, 2026, barely a day after the abduction.
The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
Ukandu said security operatives immediately launched an operation after the incident was reported. According to him, intelligence-driven efforts 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 already been killed and volunteered to guide the police to their hideout to recover the body.
However, while approaching the location, other members of the gang allegedly opened fire on the police team, leading to a gun battle. The officers responded with superior firepower.
Ukandu said one of the criminals was neutralised during the confrontation, while others fled the scene.
He added that seven additional suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
The police also recovered a locally made pistol during the operation.
According to the command, the remains of the slain traditional ruler have been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while the suspects remain in custody.
Ukandu said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members, adding that the suspects will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
