The traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state, Edwin Azike, has been found dead.
The corpse of the monarch, who was abducted on Thursday, was dumped at the market square in the community.
A resident, who craved anonymity told our correspondent that four persons were shot dead after the monarch was kidnapped.
He named the victims as Iyke Oduozor, a 17-year-old apprentice, Dominica and another whose name could not be ascertained.
The source said, ” The traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba LGA, Eze Edwin Azike, has been murdered. His lifeless body was dumped at the market square and the villagers discovered it this morning. He was kidnapped on Thursday and thereafter, the community was invaded which led to the killing of four persons.”
The chairman of Traditional Rulers Council/ Community Policing in the state, Eze Emma Okeke, who confirmed the incident, said the monarchs in the state were saddened by the killing of their colleague.
He described the the killing of Azike as an abomination, saying the council was informed on Friday morning.
He said, “We have got the sad news about the killing of Eze Edwin Azike. This is an abominable in Igbo culture. I don’t know why traditional rulers are being hunted like this. We are not politicians, we are only custodians of the culture of our people. We were informed on Thursday when he was kidnapped, only for him to be found dead, this morning.”
Spokesperson for the police in the state, Mike Abattam, said the police were yet to be informed.
He, however, promised to get back to our correspondent.
The spate of killing and kidnapping of traditional rulers has been on the increase in recent times
The latest incident comes less than 48 hours after the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in the Aboh Mbaise LGA, Damian Nwaigwe, was abducted from his palace.
On November 20, the traditional ruler of Achi Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LGA, Henry Madumere, was kidnapped at Iho in Ikeduru LGA, while on the way to a public function.
He, however, regained freedom after six days.
Two months ago, three traditional rulers were killed at Njaba while having a meeting with the chairman of the local government.
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