Gunmen have assassinated a traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, killing him inside his palace in a late-night attack that has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the state.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night in Ishinkwo community, located in Onicha Local Government Area, where the victim, His Royal Highness Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, was shot dead in his private residence.
According to sources within the community, the attackers reportedly gained access to the palace under the cover of darkness.
They allegedly fired shots through a window before forcing their way into the building, where they shot the monarch at close range in his bedroom, reportedly in the presence of his wife.
The killing has sparked panic among residents, many of whom described the attack as shocking and indicative of worsening security conditions in the area.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Ogbofia, condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He assured residents that security agencies had been mobilised to investigate the killing and bring those responsible to justice.
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“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended. We urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” he said.
The Ebonyi State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, stated that investigations were already underway.
This latest killing marks the fifth reported murder of a traditional ruler in Ebonyi State in recent times, raising serious concerns over targeted attacks on community leaders.
The incident comes barely a month after another monarch, Eze Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted and later killed by his captors.
His body was reportedly set ablaze, further intensifying fears among residents.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and support ongoing investigations as efforts continue to address the growing security challenges in the state.
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