JUST IN: Gunmen kill Imo monarch, traditional ‘prime minister’

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JUST IN: Gunmen kill Imo monarch, traditional ‘prime minister’

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of the Orsu Obodo community in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Victor Ijioma and the traditional prime minister of Mgbele community in the same Oguta LGA.

Our correspondent gathered that the two traditional rulers were murdered in separate attacks on Thursday by fleeing gunmen.

It was also gathered that the traditional ruler was killed in his car at the Izombo community and was set ablaze afterwards by his murderers.

A source, who doesn’t want to be mentioned over fear for his life, said, “The Orsu Obodo monarch was accosted at Umuamaka Junction in the neighbouring Izombe town, where he was killed inside his car.

“His assailants, who were not satisfied with his death, went ahead to set his corpse ablaze inside his car.”

The traditional prime minister of the Mgbele community was also killed in his town.

Confirming the killings to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Friday, the police spokesman for the state’s command, Henry Okoye, said that the Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Berde, had launched a team of investigators to arrest the suspects.

He also said that security patrols had increased in the areas with the goal of instilling confidence in the minds of the residents and arresting the killers of the community leaders.

The police spokesperson said, “The Commissioner of Police condemns in strong terms the gruesome murders of the traditional ruler and the prime minister. He has inaugurated high powered team of security men to go all out to arrest the hoodlums.

“We are collaborating with the military, and we have increased security presence in the areas with a view to arresting the killers.”

The CP commiserates with the families of the deceased and prayed that God gives them the fortitude to bear the losses.