Chief Francis Igwe, the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor MKelechi Igwe, has died in kidnappers custody.
Spokesperson of the Police Command in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu stated this in Abakaliki on Friday.
Ukandu Igwe who died on March 2 before the rescue team of the Nigeria Police Force could reach there, was kidnapped on March 1 on his way to church at Ndufu-Alike community, Ikwo local government area (LGA) of Ebonyi.
He said the police killed one and arrested nine suspects in connection with the crime, adding that “police 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,” Ukandu said.
