Eze Kanu Ikenolu, the traditional leader of the Ndia Iche Arondizuogu village in Imo State’s Ideato North Local Government Area, was killed by hoodlums who razed his palace.
According to reports, the development created fear in the neighbourhood, and many rushed into bushes, including members of the monarch’s family.
The hoodlums tossed explosives into the mansion, setting the home, the parked cars in the area, and other items on fire.
The arsonists burned properties worth millions of naira, a resident told newsmen under the condition of anonymity.
“The palace of HRH, Eze Ikenolu, the Eze of Ndia Iche Arondizuogu has been invaded by unknown gunmen and the people are in the bushes now,” he said.
The source lamented that policemen were yet to arrive at the village as of the time he was talking with our correspondent, saying, “Or is Arondizuogu no longer part of Imo State?”
The state Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident to reporters, said, “Frantic efforts are on top gear to arrest the arsonists and bring them to justice.”