Gunmen kill Imo traditional ruler, set corpse ablaze

Gunmen have killed Victor Ijioma, the traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo in Oguta LGA, Imo state.

TheCable understands that the monarch was attacked on Thursday at Umuamaka junction in Izombe town.

Ijioma was said to have been shot inside his car, after which his body was set ablaze.

“The Eze Igwe of Orsu Obodo was accosted while he was driving at Umuamaka junction in the afternoon,” a source said.

“They shot him and set him ablaze inside his car and immediately zoomed off.

“Soldiers and other security operatives, as I speak, are patrolling all the nooks and crannies of the village in search of the assailants.

“For this reason, the community is gradually being deserted as many have run away for fear of the unknown.”

When contacted, Henry Okoye, Imo police spokesperson, said he had not yet been briefed about the killing.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks on traditional rulers in Imo state.

In October 2021, three traditional rulers were killed after gunmen invaded Nnenasa community, Njaba LGA of Imo state.

The traditional rulers were said to be holding a meeting in the area when the gunmen attacked.

In November 2021, gunmen attacked five persons, including Ignitus Asor, the traditional ruler of Obudi-Agwa community in Oguta LGA.