Gunmen on Friday killed the traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Edwin Azike.
The monarch was abducted from his palace on Thursday and taken to an unknown destination.
From images seen on social media, he was shot on the head and dumped in a car.
Confirming the sad incident, the Imo state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Micheal Abattam said: “Yes, the man was killed and his body found in a car. Investigation has commenced as we are determined to get the full details.”
The chairman of Traditional Rulers Council/ Community Policing in the state, Eze Emma Okeke, said that the monarchs in the state were saddened by Azike’s killing.
Describing the killing of Azike as an abomination, Okeke said that the council was on Friday morning informed of the killing of the traditional ruler.
He said according to Punch: “We have got the sad news about the killing of Eze Edwin Azike. This is abominable in Igbo culture. I don’t know why traditional rulers are being hunted like this. We are not politicians, we are only custodians of the culture of our people. We were informed on Thursday when he was kidnapped, only for him to be found dead, this morning.”
This is the latest in attacks against Imo Monarchs in recent time.
He was taken away from his palace at about 2:30 am and is yet to be found.
The police said they were on the trail of the abductors.
The traditional ruler of Etekwuru Autonomous Community in Ohaji/ Egbema Local Government Area, Eze Kenneth Okereke, was forced to flee from the community after two residents were killed and his palace sent ablaze.
