Unknown gunmen have set ablaze the traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo in Oguta’s local government area of Nigeria’s Imo State, HRH Eze Victor Ijioma, in his car.
They also killed the traditional Prime Minister of Isama of the Mgbele community in the same Oguta LGA.
It was gathered that the two leaders were killed in separate attacks in different locations on Thursday.
Some residents said the Orsu Obodo monarch was accosted at Umuamaka Junction in the neighbouring Izombe town, where he was killed inside his car.
It was further learnt that the assailants, who were not satisfied with his death, set his corpse ablaze inside his car.
However, the Mgbele community leader was said to have been killed in his town.
Village sources informed military and other security operatives have increased their presence in Izombe, Mgbele and the communities around the area to fish out the perpetrators, who are reportedly said to have resorted to hit-and-run tactics.
A villager who pleaded anonymity said: “The Eze Igwe of Orsu Obodo was accosted while he was driving along Umuakama Junction in the afternoon.
“They shot him, and they set him ablaze inside his car and left the scene.
“As I am talking to you now, soldiers and other security operatives are currently combing the villages in search of the assailants”.
Police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, told newsmen ”the Commissioner of police condemns in strong terms the gruesome murders of the traditional ruler and the prime minister. He has inaugurated high powered team of security men to go all out to arrest the hoodlums.
“We are collaborating with the military and we have increased security presence in the areas with the view to arresting the killers. The commissioner of police commiserates with the families of the killed community leaders and prays God gives them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”
