The victim, identified as HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, was reportedly shot at close range after the assailants gained access to his palace under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, where they fatally shot the monarch in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
Sources within the community said the incident has thrown residents into panic, with many expressing fears over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
“They came in the night and operated without resistance. It is shocking and terrifying,” a resident, who requested anonymity, said.
Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, who confirmed the killing, condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
He disclosed that security agencies had been mobilised to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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,” Ogbofia stated.
Also the State Police Spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu confirmed the command has received information surrounding the incident and investigation has commenced.
NATIONAL PANEL gathered the latest killing brings to five the number of traditional rulers murdered in Ebonyi State in recent times, underscoring growing concerns over targeted attacks on community leaders.
The latest incident came barely weeks after the abduction and gruesome killing of a traditional ruler in Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area. The monarch, Eze Francis Igwe, was reportedly kidnapped and later murdered, with his body set ablaze by his captors.
Although several suspects including the Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, in the state, Simbad Ogbuatu, were arrested in connection with that incident, residents said there has been little public information regarding the progress of the investigation, further heightening anxiety among local populations.
Ebonyi residents who spoke with Nigerian Pilot including Israel Mbam, Ngozi Odoh, among others, warned that the recurring attacks point to a troubling pattern of violence in rural communities, where limited security presence has made traditional institutions increasingly vulnerable.
They warned that traditional rulers should avoid partisan politics and taking side in disputes especially in land and mining related matters.
