Gunmen kidnap, kill traditional ruler, police recover body
The police operatives have recovered the body of the kidnapped traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, Ezeogo Francis Igwe.
Thefrontrank reports that the traditional ruler was the father of the former deputy governor of the state.
Ezeogo Igwe was kidnapped last Sunday by gunmen while he was going to church.
The abductors who were all masked, double-crossed his vehicle and whisked him away on a motorcycle.
The assailants later contacted his family and demanded N250 million ransom. It was during the negotiations that the kidnappers killed him in their camp.
The spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said in a statement, that the police in rescue operations battled the kidnappers who opened fire on policemen before one of the abductors was gunned down and some suspects arrested.
“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.
“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 monarch had been killed on 2nd March 2026. They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch.
“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 the suspects.
“The remains of the late traditional ruler were later recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ukandu stated
