The traditional ruler of the Nguru community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze James Nnamdi, was shot dead on Monday afternoon, Igbere TV reports.
He was killed at his palace when some gunmen invaded his home.
The slain king was said to be receiving a guest, who was identified as Chief Ignatius Nwaru when the attackers struck.
The development has however caused panic in the area.
A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned said, “The traditional ruler of Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area was around 3 pm shot dead. The traditional who is popularly known as Eze Mmirioma was killed in his palace. This is so terrifying.”
Our correspondent gathered that the slain king’s guest was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he was being attended to.
Confirming the killing of the traditional ruler, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Berde, had ordered an investigation into the murder incident.
Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police, Imo state, CP Mohammed Barde has condemned in totality the gruesome murder of Eze Mmirioma, a traditional ruler in Aboh Mbaise, who died while receiving treatment in the hospital after being shot severally in his house today by gunmen.
“He (CP Barde) has set up a high-powered investigating team to investigate this case and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”