Residents Flee As Hoodlums Raze Imo Monarch’s Palace

Gunmen have razed the country home of the traditional ruler of Ndia Iche Arondizuogu community in the Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Kanu Ikenolu.

According to reports by the Punch, the development has caused panic in the community as villagers including the monarch’s family members fled into bushes.

The report indicated that the attackers threw explosives into the mansion, burning the house, vehicles parked within the compound and other belongings.

A villager who confirmed to Punch on condition of anonymity estimated that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by the arsonists.

“The palace of HRH, Eze Ikenolu, the Eze of Ndia Iche Arondizuogu has been invaded by unknown gunmen and the people are in the bushes now,” he said.

The source lamented that policemen were yet to arrive at the village as of the time he was talking with Punch correspondent, saying, “Or is Arondizuogu no longer part of Imo State?”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the arson to our correspondent, said, “Frantic efforts are on top gear to arrest the arsonists and bring them to justice.”