Gunmen on Monday reportedly shot dead Eze James Nnamdi, the traditional ruler of Ezuhu Nguru Nweke community in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

It was gathered that gunmen, who invaded the monarch’s palace in a Sienna car around 3 pm on Monday, shot him dead, scaring residents with sporadic gunshots before escaping.

A community leader, Nnaemeka Anyanwu, told our correspondent that Nguru Nweke community in the Aboh Mbaise had been plunged into sorrow as a result of the development, adding that those who were at the monarch’s palace were lucky to flee alive.

He further said that their community monarch was attacked on Monday afternoon and had been rushed to the hospital but later died.

Another community source, who pleaded anonymity, said before the monarch was shot, the gunmen reminded him that he was warned against being part of those conferring the Enyioma Mbaise Chieftaincy title on Governor Hope Uzodinma, despite the threat issued to them not to do so or face serious consequences by unknown gunmen.

He explained that the unknown gunmen sounded a note of warning, and sent letters around the community but were assured of government’s protection.

Confirming the report, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde condemned in totality the gruesome murder of Eze Mmirioma, a Traditional Ruler in Aboh Mbaise who died while receiving treatment in the hospital after being shot severally in his house by gunmen.

Barde said he had set up a high-powered investigating team to investigate this case and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.

He encouraged Imolites to go about their lawful business while remaining vigilant and swiftly reporting any suspicious person or clandestine activity observed within their terrain to the nearest Police State or via 08034773600 or 08098880197.

Recall that a monarch, Ignitus Asor, alongside four persons consisting two chiefs and two villagers, had earlier been shot dead by gunmen who invaded the monarch’s palace in Obudi Agwa community, in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.