By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Ndufu-Alike Ikwo community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is in a state of unrest following the killing of the traditional ruler, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, who was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, on his way to church.
The traditional ruler was the father of the former deputy governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe.
He was reported to have been kidnapped by armed men riding on a motorcycle, who intercepted his car, forced him out and took him away on their motorcycle to an unknown destination.
It was also gathered that the abductors contacted the family and demanded N250 million ransom but killed him in their camp in the process of negotiation.
A source told Impact Nigeria Newspaper Online that youths and women in the community took to major roads in the community to protest the killing of the traditional ruler.
The source said there have been demonstrations in the community since Monday, but it took a new twist on Friday morning when the news of the traditional ruler’s killing broke out.
According to the source, shops and markets have been locked up, while movements are restricted with roads barricaded, creating a palpable atmosphere of unrest and fear.
Impact Nigeria Newspaper also gathered that academic activities in the federal tertiary institution in the community were skeletal as some lectures were cancelled, while students were urged to stay calm and vigilant.
A notice sent to one of the students’ groups cited by Impact Nigeria Newspaper read, “The kidnapped Igwe has been killed and Ikwo people are causing havoc outside and within the school environment.
“Please stay safe. Gates to the lodges are locked, shops destroyed both at the front gate and back gate. Please all students are by this notice advised to stay indoors, calm and vigilant.”
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed the recovery of the traditional ruler’s body, which, it said, has been deposited in the mother for autopsy.
The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, SP Joshua Ukandu, in a statement on Friday, March 6, said that the police in rescue operations battled the kidnappers who opened fire on policemen before one of the abductors was gunned down and some suspects arrested.
The statement read, “Following the kidnapping of Eze Francis Igwe on 1st March 2026, operatives of the Ebonyi State Command immediately commenced intensive operations aimed at rescuing the kidnapped monarch.
“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 monarch was killed on 2nd March 2026. They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch.
“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 the suspects.
“The remains of the late traditional ruler 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.”
