Ebonyi State Police Confirm Killing of Traditional Ruler, Ezeogo Francis Igwe; 9 Suspects Arrested in Ikwo Operation
The Ebonyi State Police Command has officially confirmed the tragic death of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area. The deceased was the father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe.
Verified Incident Details
- Abduction: Ezeogo Francis Igwe was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday, March 1, 2026. He was intercepted by masked gunmen on a motorcycle while driving to a church service in Ndufu-Alike.
- Date of Death: Police investigations and suspect confessions reveal that the monarch was killed by his abductors on Monday, March 2, 2026, just one day after his capture.
- Ransom Demands: Reports indicate the kidnappers contacted the family to demand a ransom of ₦250 million, though the victim had already been killed by that time.
Police Operations and Arrests
In a statement released on Friday, March 6, 2026, Police Spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu detailed the recovery operation:
- Initial Arrests: Intelligence-led operations first led to the arrest of two suspects. Under interrogation, they confessed to the killing and led operatives to the gang’s hideout.
- The Gun Battle: Upon approaching the hideout, police were met with gunfire. In the exchange, one suspect was neutralized (killed) by officers, while others fled.
- Current Custody: A total of nine suspects have been arrested in connection with this crime.
- Recoveries: Security forces recovered one locally made pistol. The remains of the traditional ruler have been recovered and deposited at a morgue for an autopsy.
Current Status At The Time Of This Publication
The suspects are currently in police custody. SP Joshua Ukandu stated that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations. Security remains heightened in the Ikwo Local Government Area as police continue to track remaining members of the syndicate.