Ebonyi monarch killing: Governor Francis Nwifuru visits the family of the slain ruler and vows justice as police arrest suspects
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Friday led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late traditional ruler, Eze Francis Igwe, who was abducted and later killed by suspected kidnappers.
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The visit took place in Ebonyi State on 7 March 2026 following the tragic incident that has shaken the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The slain monarch was the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Kelechi Igwe. Governor Nwifuru disclosed that official activities of the State Executive Council were suspended to enable members to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.
“Today, I led members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late HRH Eze Francis Igwe, father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe,” the governor said in a statement shared on his Facebook page.
Nwifuru described the killing as a deeply tragic development that has caused widespread grief across the state.
“The late royal father, who was abducted on March 1, 2026, was tragically murdered in circumstances that have deeply saddened the government and people of Ebonyi State,” he said.
During the visit, the governor said he conveyed the condolences of the state government and also briefed the family on the progress of investigations and security reports related to the Ebonyi monarch killing.
He assured them that suspects linked to the crime had already been apprehended and would face the full weight of the law.
“I assured them that those responsible for this heinous crime have been apprehended and will face the full wrath of the law,” Nwifuru said, adding that investigations remain ongoing to ensure all those connected to the killing are brought to justice.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security measures and protecting lives and property across the state.
Earlier, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the monarch was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped on March 1 while travelling to church.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, said security operatives launched an intensive operation immediately after the abduction was reported.
According to the police spokesperson, two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate were initially arrested through intelligence-led operations.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2 and agreed to lead security operatives to the gang’s hideout.
Ukandu explained that as officers approached the location, other members of the group opened fire, resulting in a gun battle with the police team.
Seven additional suspects were later arrested during follow-up operations, bringing the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine.
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Authorities said investigations are continuing as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the kidnapping network linked to the killing.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
