Who Killed The Obi Of Ubulu-Uku?

AS the people of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Council of Delta State mourn the passage of their monarch, Obi Edward Akaeze Ofulue 111, the questions on their trembling lips are: Who killed their traditional ruler and why would somebody murder the monarch, an evangelical Christian, who would rather let the mosquito bite him instead of killing it?

Things are certainly no longer at ease in the small town, following his sudden death in captivity.

For two weeks and three days, the monarch, who was kidnapped on January 5, this year, was held incommunicado by his abductors, said to be herdsmen, until his decomposed body was found in a bush near Umunede in Ika North East Council of the state on January 22.

Obi Ofulue was heading towards Igbodo, also in Ika North East Council, when he was waylaid and kidnapped about 4pm at a bad spot between Igbodo and Obior in Aniocha South Council as he journeyed in his Toyota Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The abductors, about six of them, had suddenly rushed out of the bush on sighting the car and shot sporadically into the air, causing the driver to get stuck in a ditch while attempting to make U-turn and drive speedily and safely away.

The monarch was reportedly led into the bush on a force march, while the abandoned SUV was later recovered from the spot by a combined team of Policemen attached to the Igbodo Station and local vigilante from Igbodo and Obior communities.

On the sixth day of his abduction, the abductors reportedly opened negotiations and demanded a N100 million ransom to free the royal prisoner.

As negotiations for a possible reduction in the price tag was ongoing, his subjects sought the face of God, praying earnestly for his safe return home.

A marathon spiritual exercise organised by the community under the aegis of Ubulu-Uku Christian Network, saw interdenominational Christian worshippers converged at the palace gate before proceeding to the different parts of the agrarian community in supplication. And suddenly, the bad news broke.

Days after the murder, there is still unease in the community, which 30 minutes drive from Asaba, the state capital.

The palace gate was still under lock and key when The Guardian visited. Mum is the word among the palace officials, as none of them was ready to talk on the tragedy.

The state Police spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, said efforts were being made to fish out the culprits.

She recalled that when the Police received report of the kidnap, detectives were immediately mobilised in search of the Obi and
possibly arrest of the hoodlums.

His decomposing body was identified because of the shoes and other royal apparel he wore on the day of his abduction.

She disclosed that the other victim later escaped from their abductors, while concerted efforts were made by the Police to rescue the monarch.

Kalu added that while efforts were on to rescue him, the Police at Umunede on January 20 got information that two decomposing bodies were found in a bush within Umunede.