About three traditional rulers reportedly lost their lives on Tuesday during an attack by gunmen at the Nnenasa community, Headquarters of Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
It was gathered that the traditional rulers were having a stakeholders’ meeting at the local government headquarters when tragedy struck.
The yet-to-be-identified gunmen allegedly invaded the venue and opened fire on them, killing three and injuring others.
A monarch of Okpanakum community, Eze Vincent Duru, who spoke to Daily Sun said: “I thank God that I escaped unhurt, but my driver was shot on one of his legs. I am in my house right now. It was terrible as we were attacked by gunmen. Immediately we started hearing gunfire, everybody scampered for safety and some of us went to hide in some of the offices. I learnt that some of the traditional rulers were killed, but I cannot confirm it because immediately the gunmen left, everyone came out from their hiding place and headed for home.”
Confirming the incident, the State police spokesperson, Mike Abattam, said two of the traditional rulers had been confirmed dead while investigations have been launched.
Monarchs confirmed dead by the police include Eze Sampson Osunwa of the Ihebineowerre autonomous community and Obi 1 of Okwudor autonomous community, Eze E. Anayochukwu Durueburuo.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has expressed shock over the incident.
Uzodinma via a post on social media commiserated with the people of Njaba and vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are arrested.
“The news of the attack on Traditional Rulers of Njaba Local Government Area by some hoodlums, which resulted in some casualties, came to me with a rude shock and this is a clear exhibition of wickedness and desecration of sacred stool.
“I commiserate with the people of Njaba over this incident as I vow on my honour to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. This new dimension to banditry would not be allowed to flourish on our soil,” the governor said.
