Ebonyi Traditional Ruler Francis Igwe Murdered

Francis Igwe, a traditional ruler and father of former Nigeria===Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Nigeria===Ebonyi State. His abductors, who later demanded a N250 million ransom, killed him on March 2, 2026. The Nigeria===Ebonyi State Police Command launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of two suspects who confessed to the murder. During an operation to recover Francis Igwe's remains, police engaged in a gun battle with other gang members, neutralizing one and subsequently arresting seven more suspects. The police recovered Francis Igwe's body and a locally made pistol. The nine suspects are in custody and will be charged after investigations conclude.