RismadarVoice Reporters, March 7, 2026
Governor Francis Nwifuru on Friday led members of Ebonyi State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late HRH Eze Francis Igwe, father of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, following the tragic killing of the traditional ruler.
The monarch was abducted on March 1, 2026, and killed the following day under circumstances that have saddened the government and people of Ebonyi State.
Governor Nwifuru disclosed the visit on his Facebook page on Friday, noting that scheduled activities of the State Executive Council were suspended to enable officials to show solidarity with the bereaved family.
“Today, I led members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the family of the late HRH Eze Francis Igwe,” the governor said. “The late royal father was tragically murdered after being abducted, an incident that has deeply pained the government and people of Ebonyi State.”
During the visit, Governor Nwifuru conveyed the condolences of the state government and briefed the family on security reports and the progress of investigations.
He assured the family that those responsible had been apprehended and would face the full wrath of the law.
“Our administration will not tolerate criminality or allow those who threaten the peace and safety of our people to go unpunished,” he stated.
The Governor also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening security and protecting lives and property across Ebonyi State.
On behalf of the government and people, the governor extended condolences to the monarch’s family and the people of the Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the monarch was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped while on his way to church on March 1.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Joshua Ukandu, operatives launched an intensive intelligence-led operation, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, who confessed to the murder and led security forces to the gang’s hideout.
During the operation, gunfire erupted when other gang members engaged the police, leading to a battle in which seven additional suspects were arrested.
A total of nine suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to bring all those involved to justice.
