From: Okey Sampson, Aba
The traditional ruler of Ikeala Ahiaba Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, HRH (Eze) James Nwabekee was killed on Monday night by unknown gunmen.
It was gathered that, at about 10:00pm on Monday the gunmen numbering about four, invaded the traditional ruler’s palace and rained bullets on him. He died instantly.
The gunmen were also said to have attempted killing one of the late traditional ruler’s son who escaped into the bush.
A family source, who declined to be named, alleged that the gunmen after killing the monarch, also injured other members of the family, though the number of the injured could not be ascertained.
The source further said the incident has thrown the community into panic as they were yet to ascertain why the gunmen invaded the palace to carry out the act.
The body of the traditional ruler, according to report, has been deposited in an undisclosed mortuary.
When contacted on his mobile phone, Abia State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ezekiel Onyeke Udeviotu confirmed the incident.
He further disclosed that the wife of the Obingwa king was severely shot at by the gunmen and that she is currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.
“From the look of things, the gunmen were ready to take more lives, because, after killing the monarch in his sitting room, they went to one of his son’s room and shattered it with bullet. But, one of his sons escaped being shot at after he ran into the bush,” the PPRO explained
He also disclosed that the State CID investigation team were already investigating the matter and would not want to speculate any reason for the invasion until investigation into the matter was concluded even as he appealed to members of the public with useful information to make such available to the police.