Gunmen Kill Another Monarch in Ebonyi
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
Gunmen on Wednesday night assassinated a traditional ruler, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, in Ishinkwor Autonomous Community, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
At least five monarchs have now been killed by unknown gunmen in the state within the space of two years.
The deceased monarch was shot at close range in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
An eyewitness, Chinedu (surname withheld), said the incident has thrown residents of the community into panic.
According to him, “They came in the night and operated without resistance. It is a shocking and terrifying incident.”
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, who commiserated with the family, confirmed the killing and condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He stated that security agencies had been mobilised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The chairman further called on residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in uncovering the details of the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure those responsible are apprehended.
“We also commiserate with members of the deceased’s family and urge the community to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” Ogbofia stated.
The State Police Spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed that the command had received information about the incident, adding that an investigation has commenced.
The killing comes barely a few weeks after the abduction and gruesome murder of a traditional ruler in Ndufu-Alike Community in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The Ndufu-Alike monarch, Eze Francis Igwe, was reportedly kidnapped and later murdered, with his body set ablaze by his captors.
However, several suspects, including the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Simbad Ogbuatu, among others, were allegedly arrested in connection with that incident.
