By CHARLES IWUOHA

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has condemned the killing of His Royal Majesty, Igboke Ewa. He was the Chairman, Ezza North traditional rulers council, Ebonyi State.

Unknown gunmen had on Monday night, invaded the community, killing the traditional ruler in this residence.

The suspects were said to have nearly kill his children, but luck ran out of them as they immediately ran into the bush, where they called for assistance.

Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday, Governor Umahi expressed sadness over the news accusing opposition parties of being behind the killing.

Umahi said: “Early last night I got a very ugly and distributing news about the murder of his Majesty Eze Igboke Ewa in Ezza North who is the chairman of Ezza Ruler Council and of all traditional rulers of Ezza Nation.

“The son called me and said that gunmen had killed him and they were also looking for his children. He called me from where he was hiding in the bush.

“Immediately, I had to send the army and the SSS to take over the compound and rescue them.”

“I tried to ask questions from him and he said he is supporting a particular party/ candidate which hasn’t gone well with another party. He alleged that it might be the source of his killing. I directed the commissioner of police to fish out the perpetrators and their sponsors,” he stated.

He equally warned political candidates to desist from thuggery or inciting statement, noting that no life is worth any political ambition.

“This is so shocking, what would have informed people to kill the man. A man who has contributed so much in the development of the state.

“Let me appeal to political leaders, stop importing people to start demonstration, we all know those who have done this. And the State will hold them responsible.

“They have been doing things like these and have been going scot-free let me warn that this time around, they will not go scot-free.

“They should desist from taking law into their hands or inciting the people from protesting, if I should invite people to demonstrate, then the whole State will go into flames. So every leader, should exercise some restrains,” he warned.

While commiserating with the family, the governor prayed for God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss and for the soul of the deceased rest in peace.