The Enugu State Police Command has arrested eight people in connection with the death of Igwe Patrick Ezugwu, the traditional ruler of Adani Autonomous Community in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area.
Igwe Ezugwu was allegedly murdered in his village of Akutara on Sunday night.
During an on-the-spot visit to the town on Monday, Kanayo Uzuegbu, the state Commissioner of Police, said that eight individuals had been apprehended in connection with the monarch’s death.
Uzuegbu declared that the police had committed to be ruthless against those found guilty of the crime. He stated that he was in the community with his team to analyze the situation in order to take appropriate police action.
He insisted that both the masterminds and the perpetrators of the illegal activities would be apprehended and prosecuted.
“His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, said I should relocate to this local government area and ensure that all those responsible for this unfortunate act are apprehended in line with the state’s zero tolerance for crime.
“Immediately the news got to me, I dispatched my men from the Criminal Investigation Department and the Area Command, led by the Area Commander, to visit here and ensure that all those involved are arrested because no incident like this should happen without severe consequences.
“I want to disclose that so far, we have made arrest of eight prime suspects and we will continue to trail the remaining criminal masterminds of this murder. We must get to the root of this matter by unravelling all those behind the killing.
“I want to let you know that the governor is not happy that a breach of this nature could occur, so he asked me to come here to ensure that all the criminals are fished out. I can assure you that these criminals will never go unpunished. So, all those responsible for this crime will be brought to book and punished according to the law,” he added.
Chief S.N. Utazi, the community’s President-General, who briefed the CP during the visit, said his people were impressed by the state government’s quick response after the tragic news broke, adding that no one had anticipated such a heinous crime because the community had been at peace in recent years.
He urged the police to continue their search for the other suspects and to leave no stone unturned in punishing the attackers in order to serve as a deterrence to others.
The community’s Traditional Prime Minister, Dr Obinna Ayogu, expressed shock at the shooting and murder of the royal father, whom he characterized as a calm man.
He praised the governor and the security forces for living up to expectations by taking constructive actions to reassure the community and the local government at large of their safety.
