The Ebonyi State Police Command has recovered the body of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of the state’s former deputy governor.

Ezeogo Igwe was abducted last Sunday by masked gunmen while on his way to church. The assailants blocked his car and forced him onto a motorcycle. Following the kidnapping, the abductors reportedly contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N250 million. During ongoing negotiations, the monarch was killed at the kidnappers’ hideout.

In a statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said that police engaged the kidnappers in a rescue operation, during which the gang opened fire on officers. “Following the kidnapping of HRH Eze Francis Igwe on 1 March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the monarch,” he said.

Ukandu added that two suspects linked to the syndicate were arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to the killing. They led police to the gang’s hideout to recover the monarch’s remains. “Upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives. Our team responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the gang. One hoodlum was neutralised, while others fled. Seven additional suspects were subsequently arrested, and a locally made pistol was recovered,” he said.

The remains of Ezeogo Igwe have been deposited at a morgue for autopsy. The arrested suspects remain in police custody, while operations continue to apprehend the remaining fleeing members of the gang. They will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.