By; ADAMA JOHN, Lokoja
The Onu Itama, chief Job Shagari Ebijego was murdered in the late hours of Monday by unidentified gunmen within the vicinity of his palace in Itama community of Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
Close sources were quoted as saying that the traditional ruler was gunned down in a sporadic shooting by the trailing assailants while taking a walk around the palace about 9pm on Monday.
Apparently unaware that the target involved in the shooting spree was the Itama, subjects of the late traditional ruler and his personal guards could not render any immediate help until the assassins had completed their mission and fled the scene to an unknown destination.
It was gathered that the lifeless body of the traditional ruler of Onu – Itama, HRH Job Shagari Ebijego was found on the road close to his palace in Itama community.
Family sources hinted that it is difficult to point accusing fingers on anybody, even as the fallen Itama has been on series of chieftaincy tussles and land dispute matters with aggrieved groups of people in the community for some time.
As an effect, aggrieved youth in the community woke up Tuesday morning, burning houses and destroying property of those suspected to be the masterminds of the gruesome murder of the local chief.
Our correspondent was reliably hinted that Police personnel were immediately drafted from Egume Divisional Police Office along with some army personnel on ground to the community to keep peace arresting 12 youth have been arrested by the combined forces while many others fled the town seeking sanctuary in the neighbouring communities.
The community was deserted by residents as many took to their heels for fear of arrest or being hurt by the angry youth on rampage.
Some neighbouring communities like Elubi, Acharu and Egume suddenly became their refugee camps.
It was reliably gathered that another group of irate youth stormed Itama community on Tuesday night, looting large quantity of palm oil, food items and property worth thousands of Naira and set houses ablaze.
Late Chief Job Shagari Ebijego was until his death, known for his wisdom, justice, unbiase and dedication to the well-being of his people.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the region, with many calling for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Before late Chief Job Shagari Ebijego retired and ascended the throne of Onu Itama community, he was a police officer at Kaduna Police Command in Kaduna State.
When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Egume, Pere said the situation was partially calm but he has sent more personnel to the area to guard against unforeseen circumstances
On the assassination of the Chief Job Shagari Ebijego, Pere said he is not in position to speak on the murder of their monarch, neither was the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Ayah on hand to speak, as he did not pick repeated calls.
