Gunmen have again struck in Ebonyi State, killing a traditional ruler, barely one month after a similar incident in the state, further heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in the South-East.
The latest victim, Josephat Ikegwu, who was the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday night.
Sources in the community said that the assailants stormed the monarch’s residence at about 10 p.m. and opened fire on him through the window while he was resting in his bedroom with his wife.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbuofia, described the killing as unfortunate.
“It is an unfortunate incident. I heard they entered his house and shot him through the window,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the attack, noting that an investigation had commenced.
“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 stated.
The killing comes exactly one month after gunmen abducted and murdered another traditional ruler, Francis Igwe, in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area.
Igwe was reportedly kidnapped on his way to church, with his body later found after several days in captivity. Police authorities had subsequently announced the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the incident.
The back-to-back killings have deepened fears among residents, as attacks by armed hoodlums continue to rise across Ebonyi State and other parts of the country.
Security analysts warn that the repeated targeting of traditional rulers signals a dangerous trend that could further destabilise local governance structures if urgent measures are not taken.
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