Authorities in Ebonyi State have confirmed that a traditional ruler, Eze Francis Igwe, who is the father of the state’s immediate past deputy governor, has been k!lled after being abducted on his way to church
The incident occurred in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area, the community that hosts Alex Ekwueme Federal University.
According to the Ebonyi State Police Command, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction and killing.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, the monarch was reported k!dnapped on Sunday, March 1. Following the report, police operatives launched intensive operations to rescue him.
Investigations initially led to the arrest of two key suspects believed to be part of the kidnapping gang. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch was k!lled on March 2.
Ukandu said the suspects later guided police officers to their hideout, where the monarch’s body was discovered and recovered.
The statement further explained that police operatives later engaged other members of the gang in a gun battle, during which one of the criminals was k!lled. Seven suspects were arrested, while several others managed to escape.
Police also recovered a locally made pistol from the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the gang.
Ikwo Local Government Area has witnessed a number of violent incidents in recent times, with observers linking the unrest to growing political tensions and struggles for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
