Josaphart Ikegwu, Traditional Ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has been reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen in his bedroom at his residence.
Sources said the assailants stormed his house in the early hours of Wednesday, gaining access to his bedroom where they killed him in the presence of his wife.
The attack, which reportedly occurred around 1a.m on April 1st, 2026 has thrown the community into panic, with residents expressing fear over the worsening security situation in the area.
The killing came barely one month after suspected kidnappers murdered Eze Francis Igwe, the Traditional Prime Minister of Ndufu Alike Ikwo and father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State.
The 1st April 2026 killing is making it four traditional rulers killed with three years in Ebonyi.
The latest incident has heightened tension in the area as Ishinkwo community has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with neighbouring Abaomege community. However, no group has been identified as being responsible for the attack.
Ikechukwu Ogbofia, the Chairman of the Local Government when contacted on phone confirmed the killing and said, “Police are investigating the incident.”
Efforts to get official confirmation from the Police proved abortive, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said he would revert with details but had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, youths from the community were said to have gathered at the scene on Thursday morning, before conveying the remains of the monarch to a nearby morgue.
Residents are now calling for urgent intervention by Security Agencies to prevent further breakdown of law and order, as investigations into the incident are expected to commence.
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