A former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for justice for the late traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike Autonomous Community in Ebonyi State, Eze Francis Eze Igwe, whose abduction and killing shocked the state in March 2026.
Eze made the call while paying his last respects to the monarch during his burial in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Friday, October 30.
The burial brought together Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, former public office holders, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and members of the Igwe family.
The late monarch was the father of Barrister Eric Kelechi Igwe, who served as deputy governor of Ebonyi State under former Governor David Umahi.
In a statement shared on his Instagram account and dated November 1, Chief Eze described his attendance as an expression of friendship and solidarity with the former deputy governor, whom he said he regarded as a brother.
He also recalled the support Barrister Igwe gave him during the burial of his father-in-law, Sir P. N. Nwaorgu.
According to Chief Eze, Igwe provided his personal driver and vehicles to assist with the burial arrangements. He also acknowledged the former deputy governor’s support for his daughter, Mrs Monica Chidinma Eze-Elechi, during her service as a media aide in the Umahi administration.
Chief Eze said these experiences strengthened his appreciation of Igwe’s generosity and commitment to personal relationships.
What happened to the late monarch?
Eze Francis Igwe, also known as Eze Agom-Ugbala II, was abducted on March 1, 2026, while travelling to church in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area.
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed his death five days later, saying suspects arrested during investigations confessed that the monarch had been killed on March 2.
Police said operatives subsequently recovered his remains after suspects led them to a hideout. The operation reportedly resulted in a gun battle in which one suspected gang member was killed, while others escaped.
The police also announced the arrest of additional suspects and the recovery of a locally made pistol.
On March 10, the police announced the arrest of another suspect, identified as Nwazunku Stephen, whom they described as the alleged mastermind of the kidnapping and killing.
The suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations in Ikwo, according to the police.
The developments represented significant progress in the investigation. However, arrests and police investigations do not amount to convictions.
In May 2026, Ebonyi police authorities reportedly said investigations into the monarch’s killing had been concluded and that the suspects would soon be charged in court.
The public still needs clear information about the subsequent prosecution, the charges filed and the outcome of the case.
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Governor promises justice, proposes tougher penalties
Governor Nwifuru attended the burial and expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death.
According to Chief Eze’s account, the governor recalled his relationship with the late traditional ruler and assured the family that those responsible would face the law.
The governor also announced a proposed legislative response to kidnapping.
A report published after the burial said Nwifuru had forwarded a bill to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly seeking to make kidnapping a capital offence.
The proposal raises important questions about how the state intends to tackle the persistent threat of kidnapping.
Making kidnapping punishable by death could signal a tougher government response and may strengthen public confidence in the state’s commitment to fighting violent crime.
However, harsher penalties alone cannot guarantee safer communities.
Effective policing, intelligence gathering, rapid response to abductions, successful prosecutions and protection of vulnerable residents remain essential.
The proposed legislation must also pass through the appropriate legislative process before becoming law. Its eventual impact will depend on implementation, the quality of investigations and the ability of prosecutors to secure convictions through fair trials.
For families affected by kidnapping, the immediate concern is not simply the severity of punishment but whether security agencies can prevent attacks, rescue victims and bring perpetrators before the courts.
Who was Eze Francis Igwe?
Beyond his position as a traditional ruler, the late Eze Francis Igwe had a history of public service and involvement in education.
He served as a councillor and later represented Ikwo North Constituency in the old Anambra State House of Assembly.
He also founded Folk Technical College in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, an institution his son described as an effort to expand access to practical education and vocational skills.
In a tribute titled The Father I Will Always Remember, Barrister Eric Kelechi Igwe recalled his father’s commitment to discipline, education, humility and public service.
He described a father whose daily routines, including early morning prayers and regular checks of his children’s schoolwork, shaped his understanding of responsibility.
The former deputy governor also recalled the advice his father gave him about political office and personal integrity.
He quoted his father as saying:
“ Kele, public office is temporary. Your name is permanent. Whatever you do in office, remember that you will leave the office one day, but you will not leave the name you made for yourself behind.”
He said the advice continued to guide his own approach to public service.
The younger Igwe also recalled his father’s work as a traditional ruler and his membership of the Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council.
He described the late monarch’s life as purposeful, despite the tragic circumstances of his death.
In his tribute, he wrote:
“I refuse to allow the circumstances of your death to define the eighty-four years that came before it.”
He concluded his farewell with the words:
“Rest well, Papa. May God grant you eternal rest, and may He grant all of us the grace to live in a way that honours the life you gave us.
You were my father in life. You remain my father in memory. And you will always have a place in my heart.
Until we meet again, Papa.”
Political leaders honour the late monarch
The burial attracted several prominent political figures from Ebonyi State and beyond.
Former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, attended the ceremony.
The Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, Senator David Umahi, was represented by Deacon Austin Umahi.
According to Chief Eze, the minister’s representative urged the Igwe family to remain strong in faith and prayed for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul.
Other attendees included serving National Assembly members from Ebonyi State, former governors, members of the state executive council, local government officials and traditional rulers.
Their presence reflected the late monarch’s connections across political, traditional and community institutions.
However, the tributes also bring attention to a wider question: how can the values of public service, community leadership and educational development associated with the late monarch be sustained beyond ceremonial acknowledgements?
What happens next?
Chief Eze urged the Igwe family to draw strength from the life and contributions of their patriarch.
He also called for justice over the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s death, expressing hope that his legacy would inspire future generations.
He ended his condolence message with a prayer:
“May Almighty God grant HRH Hon. Francis Eze Igwe eternal rest in His bosom and grant Dr. Kelechi Igwe and the entire Igwe family the strength and grace to bear this painful loss. May justice prevail over the circumstances surrounding his death, and may the enduring legacy of this distinguished patriarch continue to illuminate the path of generations yet unborn. Adieu, a distinguished patriarch!”
For the people of Ndufu-Alike and the wider Ebonyi community, the late monarch’s burial marks the end of a period of mourning but does not resolve the questions surrounding his killing.
The next important developments will be the prosecution of those accused of the crime, the outcome of the proposed anti-kidnapping legislation and the state’s ability to translate security promises into measurable improvements.
For the Igwe family, the occasion was a farewell to a father and traditional ruler. For the wider public, it is also a reminder that justice must extend beyond promises made at public ceremonies.
