By Cajetan Mmuta
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state yesterday (Saturday) directed the newly posted commissioner of police in the state Mr Tony Olofu to fish out the killer of the former traditional ruler of the Mkpunando community in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Besides, Obiano expressed shock over the news about the death of Chief Alexander Edozieuno.
Alexander Edozieuno was murdered on Friday with his driver, simply identified as Chukwuemeka in his Lexus Jeep, near Ezu bridge, in the Otuocha community.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr C. Don Adinuba in a statement in Awka, the state capital said that
Governor Willie Obiano had directed the new Commissioner of Police to deploy all the resources available to him to fish out those behind the murder.
He said it was disheartening that Chief Edozieuno should die this way when violent crime has been reduced to its lowest level in Anambra State since its creation in August 1991, making Anambra Nigeria’s safest state despite recent organized attacks.
According to the state government, “We regret that there are still elements who have little regard for human life, let alone the dignity of the human person.”
“This is despite the sustained efforts of the current administration to make our society more caring and more despite.”
“We extend the condolences of the people and Government of Anambra State to the Edozieuno family, the Mkpunando community, the friends, relatives and associates of Chief Edozieuno,” the government said
Both the monarch and his driver were reported to have been trailed and shot dead by unknown gunmen at Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
Findings revealed that Chief Edozieuno was among the 12 monarchs who were deposed by the Anambra State Government for travelling to Abuja to see President Muhammadu Buhari, allegedly without approval by the state government.
The late ex – traditional ruler and his drive rode in an arsh colour Lexus Jeep when the gunmen swooped on them.
It was further learnt that the suspected assailants had trailed the monarch as he and his drive rode along the route and opened fire on them.
However, it was not clear what may have led to the killing of both the traditional ruler and driver.
The state Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, has ordered an investigation on the matter.
Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command, Tony Olofu, has led a team of police operatives to the scene of the murder incident along with Ikem Ifite Village by Ezu bridge, Otuocha, Anambra East.
According to the command’s PPRO, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the victims, one Mr Alex Edozieuno, 62yrs old, a former traditional ruler of Nkpunado Community Anambra East LGA and his driver Chukwuemeka( other names yet to be identified) were attacked by suspected gunmen by 10 am along Ezu bridge, Otuocha.”
“The exhibits recovered from the scene include; one Lexus 470 with plate reg No Aguleri-1 belonging to the victim and some expended ammunition.
Meanwhile, the bodies have been deposited to the Mortuary.
