Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Otulu community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, HRH, Eze Joe Ochulor.
The monarch was kidnapped by the yet-to-be identified gunmen on Saturday morning, November 25, 2023.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told the punch on Sunday that the monarch’s body was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in the neighbouring Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area on Saturday night.
“The traditional ruler of Otulu community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has been killed. The lifeless body of the king was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night. He was abducted from his palace on Saturday morning,” the source said.
“There is fear everywhere. Villagers are afraid because the traditional ruler was taken from his home on Saturday morning only for his lifeless body to be found on the same Saturday. This is horrifying.”
Spokesperson of for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the murder of the monarch assured all that the command would apprehend the suspects.
Okoye said the State Commissioner of Police had declared a manhunt for the killers of the traditional ruler.
“The story is true. It is an unfortunate circumstance but the state Commissioner of Police has declared the suspects wanted. We are on the trail of the suspects and we are doing everything possible to close in on the suspects and bring them to book,” the PPRO said.
“The command is open to anybody with useful information that will lead to the swift arrest of the suspects. We are assuring the public that this development is not above us. The CP is on top of the situation.”