Police in Ebonyi State have arrested nine individuals, including a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Simbad Victor, in connection with the abduction and subsequent murder of Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe.
The monarch was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, 2026, while on his way to church, shocking both the local community and the wider state.
Joshua Ukandu, spokesperson for the Ebonyi State Police Command, confirmed the arrests and said that security operatives launched a swift and intensive operation immediately after receiving the abduction report.
“Our team deployed technical and intelligence resources which led to the identification and arrest of two initial suspects suspected to be key members of the kidnapping syndicate,” Ukandu said.
According to police reports, during interrogation, the two suspects admitted that the monarch had been killed the following day, on March 2, and voluntarily offered to lead officers to the gang’s hideout to recover the remains.
However, as the operatives approached the location, other gang members allegedly opened fire on them.
Police responded with superior firepower, neutralizing one of the assailants, while the rest fled.
Subsequent follow-up operations led to the arrest of seven more suspects, bringing the total number of detained individuals to nine.
A locally made pistol was also recovered during the operations. Ukandu confirmed that the remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and deposited in a morgue for proper autopsy.
He added that police investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members, and that the suspects would be charged in court after thorough investigations.
The incident has stirred considerable concern across Ebonyi, particularly because one of the suspects is a known APC member.
Stanley Okoro-Emegha, Ebonyi State APC Chairman, led a party delegation on a condolence visit to the Igwe family, expressing profound shock at the involvement of the party’s state publicity secretary.
“The report is unimaginable, and I have struggled to face the public in light of this news,” Okoro-Emegha said.
“Members of our party find it difficult to believe that anyone associated with our organization could commit such a heinous act.”
The APC chairman stressed the party’s commitment to justice and to supporting the state government’s efforts in ensuring accountability.
“The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such evil acts, no matter who is involved,” he said.
He also condemned anyone who failed to report knowledge of the crime, insisting that all those complicit must face appropriate consequences.
The Igwe family has called for comfort and solidarity from the Ebonyi community.
Okoro-Emegha encouraged the family, saying that showing strength during such a tragedy would inspire courage and consolation within the wider community.
He urged residents to support the deputy governor and the family through this difficult period.
Johnson Aloh, Palace Secretary of Ndufu-Alike, also addressed the visit by the APC delegation, thanking them for their support.
“The community is devastated by this incident,” Aloh said.
“It was earth-shaking to hear that the actions of a single individual could soil the reputation of a party we hold dear.”
He emphasized that the act of one person should not be equated with the integrity of the party, noting that Ebonyi has historically been a model of peace and stability in Nigeria.
Aloh added that the community expects rigorous follow-up to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
“We trust the authorities and the party to ensure that bad elements who seek to tarnish Ebonyi’s image are identified and prosecuted accordingly,” he stated.
Security analysts in Ebonyi have warned that while the arrests are a significant step, sustained efforts are necessary to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the state.
Kidnappings targeting prominent figures and local leaders have become a rising concern, and law enforcement agencies are being urged to adopt intelligence-led policing to prevent further incidents.
The abduction and murder of the traditional ruler have also reignited debates on political accountability and the involvement of party members in criminal activities.
Local leaders have called on political parties to ensure rigorous vetting of officials to maintain public trust.
Meanwhile, community members continue to mourn the loss of a respected monarch whose leadership and guidance had been integral to the social fabric of Ndufu-Alike.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that every measure is being taken to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further criminal activities in Ebonyi.
Police officials also reiterated that cooperation from the public remains vital in providing intelligence and tips that could lead to the swift conclusion of the case.
This incident has left Ebonyi residents deeply shaken, but it has also highlighted the resilience of the community and the commitment of law enforcement and political structures to ensuring justice.
The hope now rests on the ongoing investigations, judicial processes, and the broader political leadership to restore confidence and ensure that Ebonyi remains a model of peace and security in the region.
