Kidnappers have killed the father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi state after abducting him while he was on his way to church, police said.
The victim, Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Gov. Kelechi Igwe.
Police said Igwe was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026. According to authorities, suspects later confessed that he was killed the following day.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement Friday that officers launched intensive operations immediately after the abduction was reported.
Ukandu said the deployment of technical and intelligence assets led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed that the monarch had been killed March 2 and offered to lead officers to their hideout to help recover his remains.
Police said the team came under fire from other members of the gang while approaching the location.
Officers returned fire and overpowered the attackers during the gun battle, Ukandu said.
“One of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.
Police later arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total number in custody to nine. Officers also recovered a locally made pistol during the operation.
Ukandu said the remains of the slain traditional ruler have been recovered and deposited in a morgue for an autopsy.
The suspects remain in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members. Police said the suspects will be charged in court after investigations are completed.
