The traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, who has surrendered himself to police over the killing of 17 Soldiers in the Okuama Community, has denied having a hand in their death.

Oghenerukevwe has been taken into custody by the Delta State Police Command after he was declared wanted by the military high command on Thursday morning.

The monarch was declared wanted alongside the president general of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur, and six others over the alleged killing of 17 soldiers, including their commanding officer.

But shortly before surrendering to the police, the traditional ruler reportedly addressed journalists at a press conference.

“I have no hand in the killings. I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody. It is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.

“It is a serious crime against humanity, and they need to look at the appropriate places and do a thorough investigation to know all those who have committed this and bring them to book and let justice prevail.

“To invite those who are fighting me in the kingdom to reconcile the differences and allow me to go into the kingdom and start to rule as the monarch of the place.

“I have not been able to set up anything. I have not been able to set up my traditional council. I have done nothing in the kingdom.

“So I barely know anything right now. I have no information. I know nothing; I am only just in the process of setting up a structure to enable me to rule in the kingdom.”