The ancient kingdom of Atta in Njaba local government area of Imo state has been thrown into mourning following the murder of its traditional ruler, Eze Edwin Azike.

The Punch reports that Azike’s body was found at the community market square on Friday morning, December 10.

It was gathered that the monarch was killed after he was abducted on Thursday, December 9. A source who spoke anonymously told the publication that 4 people were shot dead on Thursday after the monarch was kidnapped.
Contrary to The Punch’s report, The Nation revealed the monarch was shot in the head and dumped in a car. Michael Abattam, the state police spokesman confirming the incident said Azike was abducted and later found dead in a car.

Eze Emma Okeke, the chairman of traditional rulers council/ community policing said monarchs in the southeast state were saddened by the death of their colleague. While describing the killing of Azike as an abomination, Okeke wondered why traditional rulers are being hunted like this. Anxiety in southeast as gunmen abduct another monarch Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Eze Damian Nwaigwe, the traditional ruler of Mbutu ancient kingdom in Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo state has been kidnapped by gunmen. The monarch was abducted on Thursday, December 9, from the palace at about 2:30 am.

Gunmen numbering about 10, shot into the air before whisking the traditional ruler away to an unknown location.