Gunmen went on the rampage in Imo state, killing a traditional ruler, Eze Victor Ijioma from Orsu Obodo in Oguta, and another traditional Prime Minister from Oguta Local Government Area of the State.
The fatal attacks occurred on Thursday, according to reports.
Reports on the unfortunate incident indicated that the assailants ambushed the monarch, who was returning from a meeting in Owerri, the State capital, at Umuamaka junction in the neighbouring Izombe town, and shot several times till he died.
According to a witness’ account, the gunmen, not satisfied with the monarch’s death, went ahead to set the corpse ablaze inside his car.
Also, the Mgbele Traditional Prime Minister, whose name could not be confirmed immediately, was reportedly killed in his village in the same Oguta Area Council.
A reliable source hinted that the unfortunate incidents had brought great anxiety upon members of the two communities, with many fleeing the area due to palpable fear over insecurity and lack of appropriate response by the security agencies.
“The Eze of Orsu Obodo was accosted while he was driving at Umuamaka junction in the afternoon. They shot him and set him ablaze inside his car and immediately zoomed off”, a source who did not want his name in print for security reasons said.
Contacted on the incident, the spokesperson of the Imo Police Command, Henry Okoye, sted that he was yet to receive any briefing at the time of filling this report. – (adapted Sun news report)
