Ebonyi Police Recover Body of Abducted Traditional Ruler, Father of Ex-Deputy Governor – Kidnappers Kill Victim, Nine Suspects Arrested

 The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of HRH Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe (also referred to as Barr. Kelechi Igwe).

The monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, by gunmen while on his way to church. Masked assailants reportedly blocked his vehicle and whisked him away on a motorcycle. The kidnappers later contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N250 million. Negotiations were ongoing when the abductors killed him in their hideout, reportedly a day after the abduction.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, detailed that following the kidnapping, operatives launched intensive operations to rescue the victim. The efforts led to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of the monarch's remains from the kidnappers' den near Nkwegu, close to the Nkwegu Military Cantonment area.

"One locally made pistol was also recovered during the operation," Ukandu stated. He added that the remains of the late traditional ruler have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy, while the arrested suspects are in custody and assisting with investigations. The police continue to hunt any fleeing accomplices.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and tension in Ebonyi State, with reports of communities taking matters into their own hands, including the burning of houses linked to some suspects. Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has visited the bereaved Igwe family to commiserate, expressing deep concern over the rising insecurity and promising justice.

The former Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, who served from 2015 to 2023 under former Governor Dave Umahi, has been consoled by state officials and well-wishers. The tragic event underscores ongoing challenges with kidnapping in parts of Nigeria's Southeast.

Police authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid ongoing efforts to curb such crimes. No further details on motives or ransom payment status have been released.

This case highlights the persistent threat of kidnapping for ransom targeting prominent individuals, including traditional rulers and their families, in the region. Investigations continue.