“Tragedy in Ebonyi: Former-Deputy Governor’s Father Killed by Kidnappers”

Francis Igwe, a traditional ruler from the Ndufu‑Alike community in Ebonyi State and father of a former deputy governor, has died while held by abductors. The incident began on Sunday, March 1, when Igwe was seized by armed men along a road in Ikwo Local Government Area as he travelled to church.

Security operatives from the Ebonyi State Police Command immediately launched a rescue operation after the kidnapping was reported. During the search, two suspects were arrested and later admitted that Igwe had been killed the day after his abduction.

Police followed information provided by these suspects to a suspected hideout, but were met with gunfire from other gang members. Officers returned fire, neutralising one of the attackers before the rest fled.

In total, nine suspects have now been taken into custody, and a locally made pistol was recovered. The remains of the slain traditional ruler have been retrieved and taken for an autopsy. Investigations continue as authorities work to apprehend other members of the kidnapping ring.