Gunmen have killed another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, Nigeria’s South-East. The victim, Josephat Ikegwu, who is the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state, was shot dead by the attackers on Wednesday night.
Sources in the community reported that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. when the hoodlums stormed the traditional ruler’s residence.
The gunmen, it was gathered, shot the victim through his window while he was resting alongside his wife in their bedroom.
Confirming the incident, the Chairperson of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Obuofia, said “It is an unfortunate incident. I heard they entered his house and shot him through the window”.
When contacted on Thursday, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident.
Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said the police have begun an investigation into the incident.
“We have received a report of the incident, and the police have launched an investigation with a view to apprehending and prosecuting all those involved,” he said.
Recall that the latest attack occurred exactly one month after gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, abducted and then killed the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, Francis Igwe.
Mr Igwe was abducted by the hoodlums on his way to church. His body was later recovered about a week later and deposited in a mortuary.
The police later said they arrested nine suspects in connection with the kidnapping and death of the traditional ruler. Premium Times