Operatives of the Ebonyi State Police Command have discovered the remains of Chief Francis Igwe, kidnapped father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor, Mr Kelechi Igwe at the hideout of his abductors, reports thegazellenews.com.
Thegazellenews.com recalled that the ex-Deputy Governor’s father was kidnapped on Sunday, 1 March, 2026 on his way to church at Ndufu-Alike community, Ikwo local government area (LGA) of the state.
The Ebonyi Police Command Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ikandu, who confirmed the development through a statement made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, the state capital, said the remains of the traditional ruler was recovered by operatives who went on rescue mission to the kidnappers’ hideout.
Ukandu explained that the victim died on Monday, 2 March, 2026, before the rescue team of the Nigeria Police Force could reach there, just as he also added that police operatives neutralised one and arrested nine suspects in connection with the crime.
“Following the kidnapping of Chief Igwe on March 1, operatives of the Ebonyi Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the victim.
“Through the deployment of technical and intelligence assets, operatives arrested two suspects identified as members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed that the victim had been killed on March 2.
“The suspects further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the victim.
However, upon approaching the hideout, other members of the gang opened fire on the operatives.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene.
“Subsequently, seven additional suspects were arrested, and one locally made pistol was recovered from them.
“The remains of the late victim were later recovered and deposited at the morgue for autopsy.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the state police image maker added.
