Follow Us on Google
From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The killing of traditional rulers in Ebonyi State has persisted, with a fresh case recorded last week in Ishinkwor, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, throwing the state into mourning again. The people of the state woke up in the morning of April 2, 2026, to hear of the killing of His Royal Highness, Jehoshaphat Nnanna Ikegwu.
The state was yet to get over the killing of the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo LGA, HRH Francis Igwe, who was abducted, murdered and his body set ablaze.
Igwe, the father of the former deputy governor of the state, Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, on his way to church. He was killed a few days later by his abductors.
While the state was still mourning Igwe, gunmen stormed the palace of Eze Ikegwu and killed him in the presence of his wife. The gunmen shot him dead through the window.
The police public relations officer in the state, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the incident, said police have launched a manhunt for the killers.
“Yes, His Royal Highness, Jehoshaphat Ikegwu, was killed last night. We are investigating the incident. We have launched a manhunt for the killers,” he told Daily Sun.
Ukandu, however, did not give further information on the incident.
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, described the killing of the traditional ruler as an attack on the revered traditional institution, assault on the peace, unity and the collective conscience of the state. He directed the state’s joint security architecture to immediately unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of the traditional ruler.
He said: “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 Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area.
“This tragic and barbaric act is not only an attack on our revered traditional institution but a direct assault on the peace, unity and collective conscience of our dear Ebonyi State.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late monarch, the good people of Ishinkwor community and the entire Onicha LGA.
“Let me assure the people of Ebonyi State, particularly the Ishinkwor people of Onicha, that this administration will not fold its arms in the face of such evil. 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 mobilized and directed to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“The sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable under my watch. 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 and without security there can be no future. I call on all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and even the security agencies to rise above divisions and work collectively to safeguard peace and social order in all parts of Ebonyi.”
The councillor representing Ishinkwor/Ukawu ward in the local government area, Maduabuchi Nwali, said he had been in shock since the incident. He described the late Ikegwu as the greatest traditional ruler in Onicha LGA, while condemning his killing.
Other News
“This is to officially pour out my heart on the gruesome murder of one of the greatest monarchs in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. His Royal Highness, Josephat Nnanna Ikegwu, the traditional ruler of Ishinkwor autonomous community.
“I’ve been in shock and still in total dismay over this tragic incident that happened in the ward where I represent. I condemn this act in totality and pray that such will never repeat. A man full of life was denied free oxygen at gunpoint. What a world!
“However, all I can say is, may his soul rest in perfect peace. May the immediate family of the traditional ruler be consoled and accept my condolences. And I urge the good people of Ishinkwor community to remain law-abiding and allow the law to take its course in this matter,” he said.
Chairman of the LGA, Chief Ogbofia Ikechukwu, also condemned the killing of the monarch, describing it as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable. He said the tragic incident has brought profound grief, not only to the people of Ishinkwor but also to the entire Onicha.
He called on all relevant security agencies in the state to immediately commence a thorough investigation to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the dastardly crime.
Ogbofia said Ishinkwor and its environs will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to serve as a haven for criminal elements. He extended his condolences to the family of the late monarch, praying that God grants them, the people of Ishinkwor and the entire Onicha LGA the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The member representing Onicha, Ohaozara and Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, said the heinous act was not only an attack on a peaceful and respected monarch but also a direct assault on the traditional institution and the collective peace of the constituency
Kama said that killing a custodian of culture and a father to his people was utterly barbaric and unacceptable. He urged the people of Ishinkwor to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands.
“I call on all sons and daughters of Ishinkwor autonomous community to remain calm and resist any temptation to take the law into their hands. We must continue to tread the path of peaceful co-existence, dialogue and mutual respect, as championed by our visionary governor. Let us not allow the evil act of a few to derail the harmony we have built together.
“We are in touch with all relevant security agencies. Be assured that we will collaborate fully to ensure that the perpetrators of this wicked crime are hunted down, apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law. Justice will be swift and certain.
“My deepest condolences go to the immediate family of our departed royal father, the people of Ishinkwo autonomous community, the entire Onicha LGA and indeed the good people of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency.
“May the Almighty God grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, and may the soul of Eze Josephat Nnanna Ikegwu rest in perfect peace,” he stated.
Meanwhile, chairman of Labour Party in the state, Chief Henry Ude, said Ebonyi State is now a political killing field under the past and present administrations.
“Ebonyi people thought that the new administration will maintain clean hands. But, no. The murder of HRH Igwe, the father of the immediate past deputy governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe, is just one of the numerous murders in the state.
“Now Ebonyians are saying that apples don’t fall far from its tree. Really sad. Nobody knows who will be next.”
Ikegwu’s killing came after a 32-year-old man, Oforbukie Damian, killed his aged mother in Ohatekwe Ukawu, close to Ishinkwor.
Ukandu said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect committed the act following the mother’s refusal to take him to a place where he could bathe, after which he could acquire powers to “make wealth”.
He said, within the month of March 2026, the command had charged Onyebuchi Eze (m), Eze Nwuke (m), Oko Odinaka Emmanuel (m), and Uchenna Ota (m) to court for alleged involvement in murder.
“These developments are deeply concerning. The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Hope Urunwa Okafor, has expressed dismay over the rising incidence of homicide in the state.
“She appeals to all Ebonyians and residents of the state to refrain from taking the law into their hands and to promptly report grievances to the nearest police station.
“The commissioner further emphasised that murder is not only a capital offence but also a grave crime against humanity. She reaffirmed her open-door policy and urged members of the public to come forward with complaints, assuring them of prompt attention”, Ukandu said.
