The abducted traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, has been killed by his abductors, police confirmed.
Igwe, who is the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while travelling to church in the Ndufu-Alike community. Armed men on a motorcycle reportedly intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and took him to an unknown location.
The Ebonyi State Police Command said the monarch was killed a day after the abduction. Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu explained that security operatives immediately launched a rescue operation after the incident.
According to him, investigators used technical and intelligence resources to track and arrest two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping gang.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026. They also agreed to lead officers to the gang’s hideout and help locate the victim’s remains.
However, when police operatives approached the hideout, other gang members reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun battle. Officers returned fire and overpowered the criminals, killing one of the suspects while others fled.
Police later arrested seven additional suspects linked to the crime and recovered a locally made pistol. The suspects remain in custody, while efforts continue to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
Authorities said the remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The killing has plunged the Ndufu-Alike community into mourning as residents come to terms with the loss of their traditional ruler.
