Gunmen kill traditional ruler in Ebonyi

The traditional ruler of Umuihe autonomous community, Akaeze in Ivo Local Council of Ebonyi State, His Royal Highness (HRH), Umazi Ibo Ubani, was at the weekend murdered by unknown gunmen, who invaded the community.

The Guardian gathered that the gunmen invaded the community at about 10:00p.m., and started shooting sporadically, causing panic in the neighbourhood as the people scampered for safety.

It was learnt that the assailants entered his palace and shot him and left the community

Speaking to newsmen, Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre, Chinasa Okorie, condemned the killing of the monarch, stressing it will be very difficult to get a traditional ruler of his nature.

He noted that it is a great loss to the community and Akaeze at large because he was a man of integrity.

Another stakeholder from the community, Sinbad Ogbuatu, said the incident has caused tension and apprehension in the community, adding that markets and shops around the community couldn’t open for businesses.

Confirming the development, spokesperson for the state’s Police Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said the police are after the assailants.

“Immediately we got a distress call on the incident, we swung into action and the assailants had already left the scene by the time our men moved to the scene but we are trailing the assailants,” he said.