The traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo in Oguta local government area of Imo State, Eze Victor Ijioma, has been killed by gunmen.
Also killed was the Isama of Mgbele (the the traditional prime minister) of Mgbele community in the same Oguta LGA.
It was gathered that the two leaders were killed in separate attacks in different locations on Thursday.
Sources said the Orsu Obodo monarch was accosted at Umuamaka Junction in the neighbouring Izombe town, where he was killed inside his car.
It was further learned that the assailants, who were not satisfied with his death, went ahead to set his corpse ablaze inside his car.
However, the Mgbele community leader was said to have been killed in his town.
Village sources told our correspondent that military and other security operatives have increased their presence in Izombe, Mgbele and the communities around the area in their bid to to fish out the perpetrators, who now have resorted to hit and run tactics.
One of the sources said: “The Eze Igwe of Orsu Obodo was accosted while he was driving at Umuakama Junction in the afternoon.
“They shot him, and they set him ablaze inside his car and left the scene.
“As I am talking to you now, soldiers and other security operatives are currently combing the villages in search of the assailants”.
Police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, could not be reached for comments on the development.
Comment here