Ebonyi Ex-Deputy Governor’s Father Murdered a Day After Kidnapping, Police Hunt Suspects
- Ebonyi monarch Ezeogo Francis Igwe has been killed a day after being kidnapped while traveling to church
- Police have launched a swift operation, arrested several suspects, and recovered the monarch’s remains from the gang’s hideout
- Authorities, however, continue the pursuit of fleeing kidnappers while securing evidence, firearms, and preparing to charge suspects
The traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo, Ebonyi state, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, has been killed by his kidnappers, the police confirmed.
Source: Twitter
Igwe, father of former deputy governor Kelechi Igwe, was abducted on Sunday, March 1, while on his way to church. Armed men on a motorcycle stopped his car, forced him out, and took him to an unknown location.
Police spokesman Joshua Ukandu, however, said the monarch was killed “a day after he was abducted.”
According to him, security operatives quickly launched a rescue operation.
“Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on 1st March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch,” Ukandu said.
Using intelligence and technical support, the police arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping. During questioning, the men admitted that Igwe had been killed on March 2 and agreed to lead officers to the gang’s hideout to recover his remains.
Ukandu added that when officers approached the hideout, “other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang.”
One suspect was killed during the shootout, while the rest fled.
Seven more suspects were later arrested, and police recovered a locally made pistol. The suspects remain in custody as authorities continue efforts to catch other fleeing members.
“They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ukandu added.
The body of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, he noted, was recovered and taken to a mortuary for autopsy.
Source: Facebook
Gunmen kill Ebonyi commissioner’s younger brother
In a related development, the reported that gunmen shot dead Christopher Igwe, the younger brother of Ebonyi commissioner Uche Igwe. The attack happened at night as the family prepared to attend a wake.
An eyewitness said the gunmen had earlier robbed a gas dealer nearby. They fled on motorcycles but returned and fired at people around the area. Igwe and the injured dealer were rushed to the hospital.
Doctors at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital confirmed Igwe’s death. The gas dealer is still receiving treatment. Police said the attackers escaped before officers arrived, and investigations are ongoing.
Tension in Ibadan after man shot dead
Legit.ng earlier reported that unknown gunmen shot an unidentified man in the Agbowo area of Ibadan, Oyo state. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood on Ajagbe Street.
Residents said the attackers, believed to be “kill and go” gunmen, shot the man many times before fleeing the area. The shooting caused fear and tension among people living nearby.
The Oyo state police said patrol teams were sent to the scene. Stop-and-search operations were also set up around the area as officers began an investigation into the suspected cult-related attack.
Source: Legit.ng
