Suspected SWAT Operatives Storm Enugu Townhall Meeting, Kill Monarch

The police in Enugu State have launched an investigation into the murder of, Emmanuel Mba, the monarch of Oruku Community in Mkanu East local government area of the state.

The monarch died on Saturday in an Enugu hospital after he was shot by uniformed men suspected to be police officers from the police headquarters in Abuja.

His death sparked violence in the community as irate villagers stormed homes of persons suspected to be responsible for his death and torched many houses, cars and other properties belonging to them

-Shot at town hall meeting

The monarch was presiding over the town meeting when armed uniformed men stormed the meeting.

They were allegedly led by a native of the community, who allegedly pointed at the traditional ruler.

Sources said that as the man pointed at the traditional ruler, one if the men instantly shot him.

“The policemen were led by one Inspector Danladi, who also took away one Mr. Agozie Ani from the Oruku town hall where the deceased traditional ruler was addressing a meeting of the natives.

“The armed men invaded the venue of the meeting in an SUV and a Sienna Bus at about 2 pm on Boxing Day, moved into the hall and sought to see the royal father.

“When the traditional ruler who was presiding over the meeting was identified by the three natives, one of the policemen immediately shot him on the thigh and he fell down, bleeding,” the source narrated.

The shooting led to pandemonium as villagers at the hall scampered for safety amidst sporadic shooting by the armed men.

“The bleeding royal father and Mr Ani were taken away by the armed men to the Parklane hospital Enugu but Igwe Mba could not be admitted due to lack of bed space.

“They were referred to the National Orthopedic hospital, Enugu, but on arrival, doctors at the Emergency Unit only confirmed the royal father dead,” a member of the community said.

Following the news of the death of the monarch, aggrieved members of the Oruku community allegedly attacked the homes of some indigenes, believed to be behind the matter.

Four houses, including the compound of the father of a retired federal permanent secretary, Raymond Okenwa, were reportedly burnt down.