A peep into the roll-call of south east monarchs attacked and violently murdered in cold blood by unknown gunmen
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
It is evident that the revered traditional institution in Igbo land is under attack. And it is worrisome because no one knows where these attacks are coming from and their motives. Tentacle’s investigations revealed that since 2020 over 40 cases of targeted killings of traditional rulers in South east by armed groups and gunmen have been witnessed.
The violent attack and gruesome killing of two monarchs in Ebonyi state in separate incidents by yet-to-be-identified gunmen of recent indicate that the Royal fathers are endangered. And the rising in security targeting traditional rulers in the South East is not over.
Ebonyi state was once again thrown into mourning after unknown gunmen killed HRH Josephat Ikegwu, the traditional ruler of Ishinkwor Community in Onicha local government area. Sources told Tentacle that the monarch was shot through the window of his bedroom in the night while he was at home with his wife. The deadly and horrific attack said the source occurred around 10 pm when the assailants reportedly stormed his residence and opened fire from outside the building.
The killing comes barely one month after the death of another traditional ruler, HRH, Francis Igwe was abducted and killed with his body set ablaze. The incident marks the fifth reported killing of monarchs in Ebonyi state in recent times.
Meanwhile, the governor of Ebonyi state, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru has condemned the killing of the traditional ruler, Eze Josephat Ikegwu, describing it as barbaric and direct assault on the peace, unity and collective conscience of the state. The press statement signed by his chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor further stated the Government has already taken decisive and strategic actions to address the incessant killings and restore lost peace across the state. While vowing no sacred cow, the Governor insists that no individual or group no matter how highly placed or connected will be spared if found culpable.
Preliminary information suggests that the incident may be linked to an internal crisis in the community though authorities have yet to confirm the motive. Although, nine suspects were arrested in connection with the killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo local Government Area in connection with that crime, sources told Tentacle that there is no update on prosecutions have been reported.
But the Ebonyi state Police command Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu stated that investigations are ongoing and the security agencies are actively pursuing those responsible. The killings has intensified concerns over the safety of traditional rulers in Ebonyi state, prompting calls for stronger security measures to protect community leaders.
Charles Aluo in his own reaction, said monarchs are endangered species in Ebonyi state, the people don’t give them the same regard given to other monarchs in South West and North. The development is a sacrilege, he said: “The attack and killing of some traditional rulers is repugnant, reprehensible and utterly condemnable.”
“No matter the grievance of the young people who are perpetrating the heinous crimes, nothing can justify the brutish nature of their action.” Residents in South East have expressed shock and concern over the incident that brings back the memories of the past.
Tentacle investigations revealed that some of these monarchs that were gruesome and senseless murdered in cold blood include HRH Igwe Stephen Nwatu (Ogbozinne Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA) in 2018, HRH Igwe Emmanuel Chinedu Mba (Oruku, Nkanu East LGA) 3 December 2020, HRH Igwe Sunday Orji (Ezinne Ngbowo Awgu LGA) 2 June 2021. HRH Igwe Uzugwu Patrick (Achi Ogwu LGA) 4 December 2024 and HRH Igwe Charles Ibe (Amanlepunato Achi Oji River LGA reported kidnapped in August 2021 while travelling.
While in June 2022, HRH Eze Ambrose Okorie Ogbu, the king of Isu, an autonomous community in Onicha LGA was killed. In February 2023, Eze Christopher IgbokeEwa known as Isi Ozo of Umuzeokoha, was shot dead in his palace. And on May 3, the senseless killing continued with the murder of HRH Eze Umunze of Ibo Ubani (also known as Umunze Ibo Ubini or Mkpiti Ibo Ubini), the traditional ruler of Umunze in Akueze IVO LGA was murdered by gunmen in his palace. And it was the turn of Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the monarch of Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo LGA who was kidnapped while going to church and later murdered by his abductors. He was the father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi state Kelechi Igwe.
Crossing to Abia state, Eze Ignatius Asor (Obi I of Ituma) in 2022, he was tragically killed by gunmen who attacked his palace during a community meeting while Eze Micheal Okechukwu of Amuro kidnapped and later found dead in 2023 after being abducted from his palace.
In the same vein, in 14 November, 2021 HRH Igwe Oliver Nneji, the traditional ruler of Ogwuaniocha community Ogbaru LGA was kidnapped and his where about remains unknown. In September 10, 2021 HRH Igwe Alex Edozieuno traditional ruler of Mkpunando Aguleri in Anambra state was murdered along with his driver, Chukwuemka along Ezu Bridge. While HRH Igwe Gidson Onyedin the Royal father of Lilu community, his palace was burnt down and he died in the inferno in Dec 2025.
In Imo state the heartless gunmen again assassinated HRH Eze Ignatius Asor Obudi Agwa community in November 14 2022 along with two of his aides. Still in Imo state, HRH Eze Victor Ijioma (Orsu Obodo, Oguta LGA) was killed in January 2024 at Umuenekes Junction in Izombe, his body was set ablaze inside his car by the assailants.
The dare-devil killers stormed HRH Eze Paul Ogbu (Ihetta Ihube Community, Okigwe LGA) abducted him in December 13, 2021 and later confirmed dead, his body was discovered on December 15, 2021. HRH Eze Acho Ndukwe (Amagu Ihube Okigwe LGA was abducted along with Eze Ogbu on December 13, 2021, but was later rescued by security forces. And Eze James Nnamdi, Eze Mmirioma of Nauru Muelle in Aboh Mbaise was killed by gunmen in his palace in July 2023. HRH Eze Edwin Azike (Atta community, Njaba LGA was kidnapped in December 2021 and his body was found dumped at a market square.
Still in Imo state, on October 19, 2021, two traditional rulers met their untimely death after yet-to-be-identified gunmen shot them dead. The two monarchs were the Obi of Okwudur Autonomous community, Eze Anayochukwu Durueburuo and Eze Sampson Okwunwa of the Isuowerre Autonomous community. The traditional rulers were having a stakeholders meeting at the council headquarters at Njaba LGA of the state when the gunmen struck.
The latest from Imo state is the senseless killing of the traditional ruler of Otulu Awaka Autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo state, HRH Eze Eluwueme Paulinus, a legal practitioner. He was reportedly killed in a brutal attack alongside four police officers attached to his security detail and two of his personal aides.
According to reports, the monarch had been away from his community for over five years due to volatile security situation, residing in Canada during that period. He only recently returned to Nigeria and was said to have felt reassured by security arrangements made ahead of his visit to his home town.
Tragically, upon his return to the community, unknown gunmen on Saturday, 11, 2024, launched a deadly ambush despite the presence of armed security personnel, the assailants carried out the attack with alarming precision, killing all occupants and reportedly setting their bodies ablaze, an act widely interpreted as a deliberate and premeditated show of violence.
Sources close to the monarch revealed that he appeared cheerful and full of life in the days leading up to the incident. He was said to have celebrated Easter greetings to his people unaware of the impending tragedy.
This incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks targeting traditional rulers in Nigeria’s South-East region, raising serious concern about the deteriorating security situation. Stakeholders and observers are beginning to question whether such killings are linked to flawed traditional leadership selection processes, internal community disputes or acts driven by envy and power struggles.
