Gunmen Kill Traditional Ruler in Ebonyi State Palace

On Wednesday night, gunmen assassinated HRH Ez Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, a traditional ruler, inside his palace located in Ishinkwo, Onicha Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. The attack occurred at close range as the assailants gained access to the palace under the cover of darkness.

Reports indicate that the gunmen fired through a window, fatally shooting the monarch in his bedroom while his wife was present. This incident has caused widespread panic in the community, with residents expressing fears over the deteriorating security situation.

Princ Ikechukwu Ogbofia, the chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, confirmed the killing and condemned the attack as barbaric and unacceptable. He revealed that security agencies have been mobilized to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

DSP Joshua Ukandu from the state police confirmed that investigations have already commenced. This murder marks the fifth killing of a traditional ruler in Ebonyi State in recent times, highlighting a growing concern over targeted attacks on community leaders.