*Calls for Investigation over the Incident
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, has condemned the heinous killing of the chairman of Ezza North Traditional Rulers Council,HRH Eze Igboke Ewa by unknown gunmen.
He also ordered for investigation into the matter to unravel those behind the killing.
It was gathered that gunmen had on Monday evening, invaded the community, killing the traditional ruler in his residence at Ezza North.
The suspects where said to have proceeded to kill his children, but didn’t succeed, as they immediately called for help in the bushes, where they were taking refuge.
Addressing newsmen in Abakaliki, Governor Umahi expressed shock over the news, accusing opposition of being behind the killings in the state.
Saying, “early last night I got a very ugly and distributing news about the murder of his Majesty Eze Igboke Ewa in Ezza North who is the chairman of Ezza Traditional Ruling Council and of all traditional rulers of Ezza Nation.
“The son called me and said that gunmen had killed him and they were also looking for his children. He called me from where he was hiding in the bush.
“Immediately, I had to send the army and the SSS to take over the compound and rescue them.
“I tried to ask questions from him and he said he is supporting a particular party/candidate which hasn’t gone well with another party. He alleged that it might be the source of his killing.I directed the commissioner of police to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors,” he stated.
The governor equally warned political candidates to desist from thuggery or inciting statements, noting that no life is worth any political ambition.
“This is so shocking, what would have informed people to kill the man. A man who has contributed so much in the development of the state.
“Let me appeal to political leaders, stop importing people to start demonstration, we all know those who have done this. And the state will hold them responsible.
“They have been doing things like this and have been going scot free. Let me warn that this time around, they will not go scot free.
“They should desist from taking laws into their hands or inciting the people from protesting, if I should invite people to demonstrate, then the whole state will go into flames. So every leader, should exercise some restrain”. He warned.
Commiserating with the family, the governor prayed for God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss as his administration will do everything possible to unravel those behind the killing.
