The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of a former deputy governor of the state, after he was abducted by gunmen.
The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday while on his way to church. According to reports, armed men wearing masks intercepted his vehicle, forced him out of the car, and took him away on a motorcycle.
Sources later revealed that the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N250 million. However, during ongoing negotiations, the abductors allegedly killed the traditional ruler in their camp.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, said security operatives launched an intensive rescue operation immediately after the abduction was reported.
Ukandu explained that the police deployed intelligence and technical resources which led to the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnapping gang.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2, 2026. They also agreed to lead security operatives to the gang’s hideout to recover the victim’s remains.
According to the police spokesman, the operation turned violent when other members of the gang opened fire on the security team as they approached the hideout.
Police operatives responded with superior firepower, killing one of the kidnappers while others fled the scene.
Further operations led to the arrest of seven additional suspects, while a locally made pistol was recovered from them.
The body of the late traditional ruler has since been retrieved and deposited in a morgue for an autopsy.
Ukandu added that the suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. He stated that the suspects will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
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