Kidnappers kill Imo traditional ruler, dumps body at market square

The traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, Eze Edwin Azike, who was kidnapped on Thursday, has been found dead.

The corpse of the monarch was dumped at the market square in the community.

The state police command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Michael Abattam, confirmed this to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.

He said: “Yes, the man was killed and his body found in a car. Investigation has commenced to get the full details.”

RELIABLESOURCENG.COM gathered that four persons were shot dead after the monarch was kidnapped.

The chairman of Traditional Rulers Council/Community Policing in the state, Eze Emma Okeke, who also confirmed the incident, said the monarchs in the state were saddened by the killing of their colleague.

He described the killing of Azike as an abomination, saying the council was informed on Friday morning.

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“We have got the sad news about the killing of Eze Edwin Azike. This is an 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,” Eze Okeke lamented.

The spate of killing and kidnapping of traditional rulers in Imo State has been on the increase in recent times.

The latest incident comes less than 48 hours after the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the Aboh Mbaise LGA, Damian Nwaigwe, was abducted from his palace.

On November 20, the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA, Henry Madumere, was kidnapped at Iho in Ikeduru LGA, while on the way to a public function.

He, however, regained freedom after six days.

Two months ago, three traditional rulers were killed at Njaba while having a meeting with the chairman of the local government.