The lawmaker representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Autonomous Community, Eze Francis Igwe.
The monarch, who was the Agom Ugbala II of Ndufu Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was reportedly assassinated by his abductors on March 2, 2026, after he was kidnapped at Nwakpu Alike in the area.
Ogah, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions in the National Assembly of Nigeria, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.
In a condolence message made available to journalists, the lawmaker said the killing of the revered traditional ruler was a tragic and irreparable loss not only to the Ndufu Alike community but also to the entire Ikwo Noyo clan.
He urged the people of the community to shun violence and avoid acts capable of escalating tensions, stressing that the unlawful taking of human life remains unacceptable in any society.
Ogah called on relevant stakeholders and community leaders to adopt every lawful means, including traditional mechanisms, to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He assured the people of Ikwo that he would follow the matter to its logical conclusion to ensure that those responsible for the crime are brought to justice.
The lawmaker also sympathised with the people of Ikwo Noyo, the Ndufu Alike community and the son of the late monarch, Eric Kelechi Igwe, a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State and current board member of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Ogah prayed for the peaceful repose of the late monarch and urged the bereaved family and the entire community to remain strong in the face of the painful loss.