By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Gunmen on Wednesday night assassinated a traditional ruler in Ishinkwor community, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in what residents described as a brazen attack carried out at the monarch’s private residence.
The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, was reportedly shot at close range after the assailants gained access to his palace under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers initially fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, where they shot the monarch dead in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
The incident has thrown the community into panic, with residents expressing fears over what they described as a worsening security situation in the area.
“They came in the night and operated without resistance. It is shocking and terrifying,” a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, confirmed the killing and condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He said security agencies had been mobilised to investigate the incident and apprehend those responsible.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. We urge members of the community to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” Ogbofia stated.
Also confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the command had commenced an investigation.
The latest killing brings to five the number of traditional rulers murdered in Ebonyi State in recent times, highlighting growing concerns over targeted attacks on community leaders.
The incident occurred barely weeks after the abduction and killing of a traditional ruler in Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area. The monarch, Eze Francis Igwe, was reportedly kidnapped and later murdered, with his body set ablaze by his captors.
Although several suspects, including the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Simbad Ogbuatu, were arrested in connection with that incident, residents say there has been little public information on the progress of the investigation, further heightening anxiety.
