The police have confirmed that the abducted father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers.
The victim, Francis Igwe, who served as the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, was reportedly abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while heading to church.
In a statement released on Friday, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, said security operatives began a manhunt immediately after the incident was reported.
According to him, the use of intelligence gathering and technical surveillance led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping gang.
Ukandu said the suspects confessed during questioning 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.
He explained that as police operatives approached the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the team.
The officers returned fire and subdued the attackers during the exchange.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.
Police later apprehended seven additional suspects, raising the total number of arrests in connection with the case to nine. A locally made pistol was also recovered during the operation.
Ukandu added that the remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
He said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to track down other fleeing members of the gang. The suspects in custody will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
