Gunmen Kill Ebonyi Monarch Inside Palace, Security Agencies Launch Probe
Gunmen have reportedly assassinated a traditional ruler, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, inside his palace in Ishinkwo Community, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Global Mirror News gathered that the attack occurred on Wednesday night when the assailants stormed the monarch’s private residence under the cover of darkness.
According to sources in the Community, the gunmen allegedly fired through a window before breaking into the palace. The attackers were said to have entered the monarch’s bedroom, where they shot him at close range in the presence of his wife.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, described the attack as shocking and terrifying.
“They came in the night and operated without resistance. It is shocking and terrifying,” the source said.
The incident reportedly threw the entire Ishinkwo community into panic, with residents expressing fears over worsening insecurity and repeated attacks on traditional rulers across Ebonyi State.
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Ogbofia, confirmed the killing and condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Ogbofia said security agencies had already been mobilised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and track down those responsible.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. The Government is working closely with Security Agencies to ensure those responsible are apprehended. We urge members of the community to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement,” he stated.
The Ebonyi State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said an investigation had commenced.
“The Command has received information surrounding the incident, and investigation has already commenced,” Ukandu said.
Global Mirror News reports that the killing of Eze Ikegwu has increased concerns over the safety of traditional rulers in Ebonyi State.
With the latest incident, no fewer than five traditional rulers have reportedly been killed in the state in recent times.
The latest attack came barely one month after another monarch, Eze Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was abducted and later killed.
Eze Igwe was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen, murdered and his body set ablaze by his captors, further deepening fears over rising violence targeting community leaders in the State.
