Abducted Ebonyi Monarch And Ex-Deputy Governor’s Father Killed By Kidnappers

The traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, who was earlier kidnapped, has been confirmed dead.

The monarch, who is the father of former deputy governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while going to church in the Ndufu-Alike area.

Gunmen riding a motorcycle reportedly stopped his vehicle, forced him out, and took him to an unknown location.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force in the state, Joshua Ukandu, said the monarch was killed a day after the abduction.

Ukandu explained that once the incident was reported, officers from the Ebonyi State command began a major operation to locate and rescue the royal father.

“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on 1st March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch,” he said.

According to him, police later arrested two suspects believed to be part of the kidnapping gang.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted that the monarch had already been killed on March 2. They also agreed to guide investigators to the group’s hideout and help locate the victim’s body.

“However, upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang,” he stated.

Police said the officers eventually overpowered the attackers, killing one of the suspects while others escaped from the scene.

Following the incident, security operatives arrested seven more suspects linked to the crime and recovered a locally made pistol from them.

Ukandu said the suspects are currently in custody while efforts continue to track down other members of the gang who fled.

“They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ukandu added.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that the monarch’s body was later recovered and taken to a mortuary for an autopsy.

The killing has left residents of the Ndufu-Alike community in deep mourning as they come to terms with the loss of their traditional leader.

KanyiDaily also reported how the police arrested two traditional rulers over the recent killings in the Okporojo community, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.