Suspected ESN/IPOB gunmen set fire to Imo monarch’s palace, sparking tensions
Suspected gunmen, believed to be affiliated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN)/ the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have set fire to the palace of Eze Kanu Ikenolu.
He is the esteemed traditional ruler of the Ndia Iche Arondizuogu community in Imo State, causing a surge of tension and unease throughout the region.
As the assailants arrived, they launched explosives into the mansion, triggering a devastating conflagration that engulfed not only the house but also the vehicles parked on the premises.
The royal compound, serving as both the traditional ruler’s residence and palace, endured severe destruction due to the force of the invasion.
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Distressed villagers, including members of the monarch’s household, swiftly sought safety by fleeing to nearby areas and bushes.
The eyewitness accounts of the incident revealed the extent of the chaos: “The palace of His Royal Highness Eze Ikenolu, the Eze of Ndia Iche Arondizuogu, came under a sudden attack by unidentified gunmen. This forced many people to find refuge amidst the nearby bushes.”
Remarkably, there has been no official response from the police force in regards to the distressing situation that unfolded at HRH Eze Kanu’s palace in Ndianiche Arondizuogu.
This has prompted some to question the territorial status of Arondizuogu within the larger context of Imo State.
However, the Imo State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, when contacted confirmed the incident and provided assurance that “comprehensive investigative efforts are currently underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, ensuring they are brought to justice.”
This incident occurs just within a span of five days following a separate attack, where gunmen reportedly targeted and set ablaze the residence of Hon. Paschal Agbodike.
The esteemed representative of Ihiala Federal Constituency within the Anambra State House of Representatives witnessed the destructive invasion at around 1 am on Tuesday.
The attackers unleashed a hail of indiscriminate gunfire before deliberately igniting the compound, resulting in the complete annihilation of the property.