Kidnapped Father Of Former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Found Dead As Police Arrest Seven Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a traditional ruler, Eze Francis Igwe, who was abducted while heading to church. The late monarch is the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.

The abduction happened in Ndufu-Alike, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area that also hosts Alex Ekwueme Federal University.

Police spokesperson in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed in a statement that the monarch was kidnapped on March 1, prompting a swift deployment of operatives to rescue him.

According to the statement, investigations led to the arrest of two principal suspects believed to be part of the kidnapping gang. During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted that the monarch was murdered on March 2.

Ukandu said the suspects later guided officers to their hideout where the monarch’s body was found and recovered.

Further operations by the police resulted in a gunfight with other members of the criminal group. One of the suspects was killed during the exchange, while seven others were arrested. Some members of the gang managed to escape.

Police also recovered a locally made pistol from the suspects, while a manhunt has been launched to capture the fleeing gang members.

Ikwo Local Government Area has experienced several violent incidents in recent times, with some observers linking the attacks to rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.