Monarch assassinated inside Palace by gunmen, Governor mourns, condemns killing
Monarch assassinated inside Palace by gunmen, Governor mourns, condemns killing
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has strongly condemned the murder of the traditional ruler of Isinkwo Community, Eze Josephat Ikegwu, describing the act as “barbaric” and a direct assault on the peace, unity, and collective conscience of the state.
The monarch was reportedly assassinated on Wednesday night in his palace while sleeping alongside his wife.
In a statement released on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru expressed profound grief and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“It is with a heart weighed down by grief and deep anguish that I condemn the gruesome and senseless murder of His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Josephat Ikegwu of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area,” the governor said.
“This tragic and barbaric act is not only an attack on our revered traditional institution but also a direct assault on the peace, unity, and collective conscience of our dear Ebonyi State.”
Governor Nwifuru extended his condolences to the family of the late monarch, the people of Isinkwo, and residents of Onicha Local Government Area. He assured that the state’s security agencies have been fully mobilised to investigate the incident.
“Let me assure the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the Ishinkwo people of Onicha, that this administration will not fold its arms in the face of such evil,” he stated.
“The government has already taken decisive and strategic actions to address the incessant killings and restore lasting peace across our state. Security agencies have been fully mobilised and directed to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
The governor emphasized that there would be “no sacred cows,” insisting that no individual or group, regardless of status or influence, would escape accountability if found culpable.
“The sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable under my watch,” he said. “As a government guided by the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, we are resolute in our commitment to entrench peace, security, and social order as the bedrock of sustainable development. Without peace, there can be no progress; without security, there can be no future.”
Governor Nwifuru also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to rise above divisions and work collectively to safeguard peace across Ebonyi State.
