Gunmen kill traditional ruler in Ebonyi

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki

ABAKALIKI — Suspected gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Eze Josephat Ikegwu.

Eyewitnesses said the monarch was shot through the window of his bedroom on Tuesday night while he was at home with his wife.

Sources indicated that the attack occurred around 10 p.m. when the assailants reportedly stormed his residence and opened fire from outside the building.

Preliminary information suggests that the incident may be linked to an internal crisis within the community, although authorities have yet to confirm the motive.

The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbuofia, confirmed the killing, describing it as unfortunate.

“Yes, I have heard of it. It is an unfortunate incident. I was told they shot him through the window in his room,” he said.

The Ebonyi State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said an investigation has commenced.

“We have received a report of the incident, and the police have launched an investigation with a view to apprehending and prosecuting those involved,” he said.

The killing comes barely one month after the death of another traditional ruler in the state, Francis Igwe, who was abducted in Ikwo Local Government Area.

Igwe was reportedly kidnapped on his way to church and later died from injuries sustained while in captivity. His body was recovered days after the incident and deposited in a mortuary.

Police authorities had earlier announced the arrest of nine suspects in connection with that case.

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