Man’s inhumanity against man, Umahi mourns ex-deputy gov father’s killing

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Wednesday condemned the killing of a traditional ruler in Ebonyi State while paying a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch. Umahi visited the family of his former deputy governor, Eric Kelechi Igwe, following the killing of his father, Eze Francis Igwe, who was murdered after being abducted. The minister described the incident as shocking and a reflection of the level of cruelty in society. “When I heard of this unfortunate occurrence, for me it was like a dream, a very, very deep dream. The whole episode is strange, the level of man’s inhumanity against man,” Umahi said. “You will be with somebody and think he or she is a human being. The people that did this thing are not human beings.”

Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a condolence visit to the family of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi over his father’s demise…Photo Credit: Francis Nwaze The late monarch was reportedly kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church in the Alike community of Ikwo Local Government Area and was later killed by his abductors. Umahi recalled the role the royal father played during his time as governor of the state, describing him as a man of wisdom who contributed to stability within the state’s leadership. “He was a father to all of us. We worked very well with him during our struggles, giving us advice, fathering us and making sure that the squabbles you will see between deputy and governor never existed between us,” he said. The minister also prayed for justice against those responsible for the killing. “It is quite very shocking and my prayer is that all the people that did this, the wrath and judgment of God will be upon them,” he added. Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a condolence visit to the family of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi over his father’s demise…Photo Credit: Francis Nwaze Umahi said he had spoken with the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, commending the government’s response to the incident. According to him, the governor had shown commitment towards ensuring justice for the slain monarch. “I have spoken to the governor and I commend him very highly for the ways and manner he got committed to this,” Umahi said.