Gunmen suspected to be political thugs have killed the traditional ruler of Umuezeokaha community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Igboke Ewa.
The 80-year-old man, who was a first-class traditional ruler, was murdered in his residence on Monday night.
Until his death, the slain royal father was the chairman of Ezza North Council of Traditional Rulers.
BOblog learnt that the late traditional ruler was supporting a candidate of a political party against another, a situation that could have triggered his murder.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Police Command, SP Onome Onovwakpayeya, confirmed the incident in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
”Yes, we are aware of the killing and investigation has commenced to fish out the perpetrators of such heinous crime,” she said.
Onovwakpayeya noted that the command received information about the killing and is currently investigating the matter to know if it was politically-motivated.
Umahi Directs Security Agents To Unmask Killers
To this end, the state governor, Dave Umahi has directed security agents to spare no resources in unmasking the killers of Ewa.
Addressing the media at the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, Umahi described the murder of the octogenarian as callous and barbaric.
Umahi disclosed that the son of the deceased called him last night ( Monday) from his hideout to inform him that gunmen invaded their compound, shot his father dead and were also looking for his children.
“I had to immediately send the police, army and men from Department of State Services (DSS) to take over their compound and rescue them.
“I tried to ask questions about him and he said that his father was supporting the candidate of a particular party which has not gone down well with another party and it’s being suspected that it could be the source of his killing.
“So, I have directed the Commissioner of Police to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors, and I hope he has to do that,” he added.
The governor claimed that the killing might be politically-motivated, adding that no blood is worth shedding because of a political office.
He lamented that Ewa is well-respected royal father beyond the shores of the state, saying that it is important for the security agents to do the needful and arrest further killings in the state.
Umahi informed that democracy is about making different choices and not the killings of others with alternative views.
Still reeling in shock, the governor described Ewa as a honest and pleasant man who had contributed to the development and unity of the state.
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