From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The police command has confirmed that the abducted father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, was been killed by his hoodlums on Monday.
The deceased, Francis Igwe, was the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
The monarch was abducted on Sunday, while on his way to church.
According to a statement released by the state police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu on Friday said nine suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident which has thrown people of the area into state of mourning.
Ukandu explained that deploying technical and intelligence assets led to the arrest of two suspects believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
He said that during interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed that the monarch was killed on March 2 by the hoodlums.
The two earlier suspects further led operatives of the command to their hideout which led to the recovering of the monarch’s remains.
“However, while approaching the hideout, other gang members allegedly opened fire on the police team.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, overpowering the criminals during the gun battle.
“In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he said.
The police spokesman added that seven additional suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
He also confirmed that one locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.
Ukandu said the operatives responded with superior firepower, overpowering the criminals during the gun battle.
In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene,” he stated.
The police spokesman added that seven additional suspects were later arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
He also confirmed that one locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.
Ukandu said the remains of the slain traditional ruler had been recovered and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the investigations conclude.
