Kidnappers Kill Father of Ex-Ebonyi Deputy Governor

On March 1, 2026, Franci Igw, the father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igw, was abducted and subsequently killed by kidnappers. The police confirmed the incident and reported that a traditional ruler from Ndufu Alik in Ikwo Local Government Area was the victim.

Following the abduction, an operation was launched by the police, led by DSP Joshua Ukandu, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects who allegedly confessed to the crime. On March 2, during a confrontation with the gang, police engaged in a gun battle, neutralizing some hoodlums while others fled.

A total of nine suspects have been arrested, with seven additional suspects apprehended later. A pistol was recovered during the operation, and the remains of the traditional ruler have been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

The police continue to pursue the fleeing gang members and are preparing to charge the suspects in court as investigations proceed.