Gunmen Kill Ebonyi Monarch in Fresh Attack

Gunmen have assassinated a traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, intensifying concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders in the state.

The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly killed at his private residence after assailants struck under the cover of darkness.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers initially fired shots through a window before forcing their way into the building, where they shot the monarch dead in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.

Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He confirmed that security agencies have commenced investigations into the incident.

Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the command has launched a full-scale probe to track down the perpetrators.

The latest killing brings to five the number of traditional rulers reportedly assassinated in Ebonyi State in recent times, raising fresh concerns about the safety of community leaders and the need for urgent security interventions.