Kidnappers Kill Father Of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe

The victim, who was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.

Kidnappers have killed Francis Igwe, the father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, the police have confirmed.

The victim, who was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church.

In a statement on Friday, confirming the unfortunate incident, the Ebonyi State Police Command said its operatives launched an intensive operation immediately the abduction was reported.

The statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, revealed that the deployment of technical and intelligence resources of the police led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.

According to him, the suspects confessed during interrogation that the monarch was killed on March 2, a day after he was abducted.

“They also volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in recovering the monarch’s remains,” Ukandu said.

He added that while the police team was approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives.

Ukandu said the operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to a gun battle.

“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.

The police spokesperson said seven additional suspects were later arrested in connection with the crime, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.

He added that a locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.

Ukandu further confirmed that the remains of the slain monarch had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

He said they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Source: Sahara Reporters

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