GUNMEN KILL MONARCH INSIDE EBONYI PALACE
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Gunmen on Wednesday night fatally shot a traditional ruler in Ishinkwo community, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in a brazen attack at his private residence.
The Media reported on Thursday that the victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, was allegedly shot at close range after the assailants gained entry to his palace under the cover of darkness.
A community source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attackers fired through a window before breaking into the building and shooting the monarch in his bedroom, in the presence of his wife.
Residents described the incident as terrifying and expressed growing concerns over the worsening security situation in the community.
“They came at night and carried out the attack without any resistance. It is both shocking and terrifying,” a resident, who asked not to be named, said.
Prince Ikechukwu Ogbofia, Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, confirmed the monarch’s killing to The Media, condemning the attack as barbaric and wholly unacceptable.
He stated that security agencies have been deployed to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure that those responsible are apprehended. We urge community members to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” he stated.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident, saying, “The Command has received information regarding the matter, and an investigation has already begun.”
The Media reports that this latest killing raises to five the number of traditional rulers recently murdered in Ebonyi State, highlighting increasing concerns over targeted attacks on community leaders.
The attack occurred less than a month after another monarch, Eze Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike community, Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted, killed, and his body set ablaze by his captors.
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