The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, on Thursday, condemned the killing of the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Community, Eze Josephat Ikegwu, describing it as “barbaric and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and collective conscience of the State.”
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, the Governor said the incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, was deeply tragic and called on the state’s joint security architecture to unravel the circumstances surrounding the monarch’s murder.
“It is with a heart weighed down by grief and deep anguish that I condemn the gruesome and senseless murder of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Josephat Ikegwu of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area,
“This tragic and barbaric act is not only an attack on our revered traditional institution, but a direct assault on the peace, unity, and collective conscience of our dear Ebonyi State,” the governor said.
According to residents, gunmen stormed the monarch’s private residence under the cover of darkness, firing through a window before forcing their way inside. Eze Ikegwu was reportedly shot at close range in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
“They came in the night and operated without resistance. It is shocking and terrifying,” a resident, who pleaded anonymity, said.
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Prince Ikechukwu Ogbofia, condemned the attack in strong terms and confirmed that security agencies had been mobilised to investigate.
“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,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident, saying, “The Command has received information surrounding the incident, and investigation has commenced already.”
The Governor expressed condolences to the family of the late monarch, the people of Ishinkwo Community, and residents of Onicha Local Government Area, while assuring them that the administration would act decisively.
“Let me assure the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the Ishinkwo people of Onicha, that this administration will not fold its arms in the face of such evil. Security agencies have been fully mobilised and directed to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
He added that no individual or group, “no matter how highly placed or connected, will be spared if found culpable. The sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable under my watch.
“As a government guided by the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, we are resolute in our commitment to entrench peace, security, and social order as the bedrock of sustainable development. Without peace, there can be no progress; without security, there can be no future.”
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 incident comes barely a month after Eze Francis Igwe of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area was abducted and gruesomely murdered, with his body reportedly set ablaze by his abductors.
Governor Nwifuru called on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies, to “rise above divisions and work collectively to safeguard peace and social order in all parts of Ebonyi.”
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