Gunmen who reportedly invaded the rural community of Umuihe in Akaeze, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, have killed the traditional ruler, identified as, Umazi Ibo Ubani.
Eye witness accounts say the body of the chief was found in a pool of his blood after heavy shootings by the gunmen, which caused pandemonium in the area as the people scampered for safety.
The attack on the community was said to have occured at about 10:pm on Friday, when the predominantly local farmers had retired to bed, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“Around 10pm last Friday, I received a call that there was shooting in the house of our traditional ruler, that after the shooting, it was discovered that our traditional ruler has been killed and that is the traditional ruler of Umuihe Autonomous Community, Akaeze, HRH Eze Umazi Ibo Ubani”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu has confirmed the incident, saying policemen were 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”.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
