The kidnapped father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the police have confirmed.
The victim, Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state before his death.
According to the police, the monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church. 
The command’s PPRO said the police neutralised one and arrested nine suspects in connection with the crime.
“Through the deployment of technical and intelligence assets, operatives arrested two suspects identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that the victim had been killed on March 2,” said Mr Ukandu.
According to him, the arrested suspects led operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout to recover the remains of the victim.
“However, upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene. Subsequently, seven additional suspects were arrested, and one locally made pistol was recovered from them,” he said.
The police spokesperson said the remains of the victim had been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
He added that the suspects were in police custody, as efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members.
