Armed hoodlums suspected to be ESN operatives kill traditional monarch in Imo State

ARMED hoodlums suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) the armed wing of the secessionist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) have killed the traditional ruler of Obudi Agwa in Imo State His Royal Highness Ignatius Asor.

Created as Ipob's armed wing, the ESN has taken on the responsibility of confronting armed Fulani herdsmen across the southeast geo-political zone. Of late, however, it has been accused of acts of bringandry, including raiding police stations and carting away weapons and of carrying out murders across the southeast.

Yesterday, the monarch was attacked around 12.30pm in Agwa, a community in Oguta Local Government Area of the state. Police spokesperson Michael Abattam, said the slain monarch had allowed the terror group inside his palace after they disguised as people in distress who had come to report an emergency situation to the royal father.

Mr Abattam said the suspected Ipob members also killed two aides of the monarch during the attack. He added: “In the process of explaining the reason for their visit, they brought out guns, shot and killed the Eze and two of his aides and hurriedly fled the palace.”

According to Mr Abatta, the hoodlums stormed the community in four vehicles and two motorcycles in company of a woman. They also attacked the office of a local vigilante group in the community and killed one person, believed to be a vigilante operative.

Ahmed Barde, the Imo State police commissioner, assured the people of the community and other residents of the state, that investigations had commenced into the incident. He maintained that the police will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the law.

Mr Barde  urged the residents to assist the police with credible information and report criminal activities in their community. Like other states across Nigeria’s southeast geo-political zone, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons.