Unknown gunmen have killed Igwe Alex Edozieuno, the former traditional ruler of Mkpunando Aguleri in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State.
Edozieuno was one of the 12 traditional rulers in the state suspended last year by Governor Willie Obiano for visiting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja in the company of the billionaire oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze.
The former monarch was killed alongside his driver, simply identified as Chukwuemeka, after they were ambushed along the Ezu Bridge, Otuocha, in the early hours of Friday.
It was gathered that Igwe Edozieuno was shot in the head and dragged into the nearby bush, while his driver who was equally shot in the head was left in the vehicle.
Although it was not clear at press time what led to the killing, some people in Aguleri community believed it was a pure assassination.
Police Confirms ‘Brutal Murder’ Of Alex Edozieuno
In a statement on Friday, the state Public Relations Office, Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, has ordered investigation into the incident which he described as man’s inhumanity to man.
“The Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command , Tony Olofu, has led a team of police operatives to the scene of murder incident along Ikem Ivife Village by Ezu bridge, Otuocha, Anambra East.
“He described the incident as man’s inhumanity to man and ordered immediate investigation into the incident.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the victims, one Mr Alex Edozieuno, 62yrs old, a former traditional ruler of Nkpunado Community Anambra East LGA and his driver Chukwuemeka( other names yet to be identified) were attacked by suspected gunmen by 10am along Ezu bridge, Otuocha.
“The exhibits recovered from the scene include; one Lexus 470 with plate reg No Aguleri-1 belonging to the victim and some expended ammunition.
“Meanwhile the bodies have been deposited to the Mortuary. Further development shall be communicated,” Tochukwu said.
KanyiDaily had also reported how Imo state monarch, Eze Charles Iroegbu, and his cabinet were kidnapped by gunmen after attending a traditional wedding in Mbano.