Gunmen have killed another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, Nigeria’s South-east.
The victim, Josephat Ikegwu, was shot dead by the attackers on Wednesday night.
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Mr Ikegwu is the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Sources in the community told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. when the hoodlums stormed the traditional ruler’s residence.
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The gunmen, it was gathered, shot the victim through his window while he was resting alongside his wife in their bedroom.
The Chairperson of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbuofia, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview.
“It is an unfortunate incident. I heard they entered his house and shot him through the window,” Mr Ogbuofia said.
Police speak
When contacted on Thursday, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES.
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.
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Not the first time
Like other states in Nigeria, security has deteriorated in Ebonyi with frequent attacks by armed hoodlums in recent times.
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.
