Police Arrest Six Suspects Over Killing Of Ebonyi Traditional Ruler, Recover AK-47 Rifle

Police authorities in Ebonyi State say six suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a traditional ruler in the state, weeks after the attack sparked outrage across local communities.

The breakthrough was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, who said the arrests followed what he described as a sustained intelligence-driven investigation by operatives of the state command.

According to the police, officers also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition during the operation carried out against the suspects.

Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of those arrested, but confirmed that they would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Hope Okafor, vowed that individuals involved in violent crimes in the state would not escape justice.

“No individual involved in criminality will be allowed to evade justice,” the police commissioner stated while reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the state.

The slain monarch, Eze Josephat Ikegwu, was reportedly assassinated at his residence on the night of April 1. Gunmen were said to have opened fire through the bedroom window while the traditional ruler was resting with his wife.

The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu Ogbuofia, had earlier confirmed the killing, while police authorities launched investigations to track down those responsible for the attack.

The incident deepened security concerns in Ebonyi after another monarch, Eze Francis Igwe, was abducted and murdered in March, raising fears over targeted attacks against community leaders in the state.

Residents have continued to call for tighter security measures and swift prosecution of those linked to violent crimes across affected communities.