The abducted traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the Ebonyi State Police confirmed.
Igwe, father of former deputy governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church. Gunmen on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle, forcibly removed him, and took him to an undisclosed location.
Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu said the monarch was killed the following day, March 2, after which intensive operations were launched to rescue him.
“Operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately deployed technical and intelligence resources to locate the kidnapped monarch,” Ukandu stated.
During the investigation, two suspects were arrested and confessed to killing Igwe. They also led police to the gang’s hideout, triggering a gunfight in which one hoodlum was neutralised and others fled. Seven additional suspects were later apprehended, and a locally made pistol was recovered.
The police said the suspects are in custody, while efforts continue to arrest remaining gang members. The monarch’s remains were recovered and deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The killing has plunged the Ndufu-Alike community into mourning, as residents grapple with the loss of their traditional ruler.
