Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has charged security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike, Eze Francis Igwe.
The traditional ruler and father of the immediate past deputy governor of the state was abducted on Sunday on his way to church.
The governor who cancelled the scheduled executive council meeting led members of the council to the palace of the late monarch to commiserate with the family.
The governor disclosed that some suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the crime and assured that all the perpetrators will be fished out and made to face the law.
He described the slain traditional ruler as an accomplished elder statesman and a courageous leader who served his people with dedication.
While praying for the reposed of the soul of the royal father, the Governor encouraged the immediate family and the entire Ikwo Noyo clan to bear the loss with fortitude
The eldest son of the late monarch and former deputy governor of Ebonyi, Barr. Kelechi Igwe appreciated the efforts made by the governor to rescue their father from the hands of his captors.
“Though our Father is not here today to appreciate you, his entire family will remain eternally grateful for your efforts.”
Meanwhile, a report has it that the elderly monarch was attending service at the Assemblies of God Church close to his palace when gunmen allegedly stormed the area and took him away last Sunday. The attackers reportedly left the scene using a tricycle.
The late royal father, said to be in his 80s, was a former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly before the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996. He was also the father of the former deputy governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe, and father-in-law to the current chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area.
The report further claims that while he was in captivity, his health reportedly deteriorated. At a point, the abductors allegedly contacted the family requesting ₦500,000 to purchase medication, providing a bank account for the payment.
According to the account shared, the transaction reportedly led to investigations that helped security operatives track individuals connected to the case. During the investigation, suspects allegedly led authorities to the location where the traditional ruler had been kept.
Authorities are said to have recovered his remains and deposited them in a mortuary in Abakaliki, while several suspects have reportedly been arrested. Police investigations are expected to continue, with possible court proceedings to follow.
This ugly development on Friday led to the burning of houses and mass arrest of suspects in the Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.
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