Nigeria, March 6 -- Gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, have killed Francis Igwe, father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, hours after abducting him.

Mr Igwe was initially abducted on Sunday while he was on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He is the traditional ruler of the Ndufu-Alike Community.

Sources told this newspaper that the gunmen, who were operating on a motorcycle, intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an unknown location.

Mr Igwe's son, Kelechi Igwe, served as the state's deputy governor from 2015 to 2023 during the administration of Dave Umahi, now minister of works.

The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, con...