By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Suspected gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, His Royal Highness Josephat Ikegwu.
The traditional ruler was shot dead by the attackers in his palace on Wednesday night, bringing the number of monarchs killed in the state in recent times to five.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. when the gunmen stormed the traditional ruler’s residence.
The sources said the gunmen shot him through his window while he was resting alongside his wife in their bedroom.
The incident was also confirmed by the chairperson of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbuofia.
Ogbuofia condemned the act and said the police are already investigating the matter, while urging members of the community to remain calm.
Spokesperson of the police in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident, adding that the police have begun a probe into the incident.
Ukandu said: “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.
The killing of the traditional ruler comes just one month after suspected kidnappers abducted and later killed the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, Ezeogo Francis Igwe.
Igwe, the father of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on Sunday, March 1, on his way to church.
He was reported to have been kidnapped by armed men riding on a motorcycle, who intercepted his car, forced him out and took him away to an unknown destination.
The traditional ruler’s 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.
