Tragedy has struck the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following the killing of its traditional ruler, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, who was abducted by gunmen.
The slain monarch, who is the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in the Ndufu-Alike community.
According to reports, the assailants—armed men riding on a motorcycle—intercepted his vehicle, forcibly removed him, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed that the traditional ruler was killed barely a day after his abduction.
Ukandu explained that immediately after the incident was reported, police operatives launched intensive rescue operations in a bid to secure the monarch’s release.
“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on March 1, 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch,” he said.
The police spokesperson noted that through the deployment of intelligence and technical resources, operatives were able to track down and arrest two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate responsible for the crime.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been murdered on March 2, 2026. They subsequently offered to lead security operatives to the gang’s hideout and assist in locating the victim’s remains.
However, Ukandu revealed that as the police approached the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives, triggering a gun battle.
“Upon approaching the hideout, the gang members opened fire on the operatives. Our officers responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the criminals,” he said.
During the confrontation, one of the suspects was neutralised while several others fled the scene.
Police operatives later arrested seven additional suspects linked to the kidnapping and recovered a locally made pistol during the operation.
Ukandu confirmed that all the suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
“They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he added.
The remains of the murdered traditional ruler have since been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
The killing of the respected monarch has plunged the Ndufu-Alike community into deep mourning, with residents expressing shock and grief over the loss of their traditional leader.
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