The Onu Itama, HRH, chief Job Shagari Ebijego was on Monday evening assassinated by unknown gunmen near his palace in Itama community, Dekina local government area in Kogi state.
Family sources told newsmen that the suspected assassins were trailing the Monarch while he was taking a stroll within his palace around 9.00 pm when sporadic shooting started.
Family source pointed out that Subjects of the late traditional Ruler and his personal guards could not immediately come out to ascertain what was happening until the shooting ceased and assassins fled the scene with their motorcycle to unknown destination.
It was gathered that the lifeless body of the traditional ruler was found on the road close to his palace .
Family source hinted the press that even though they could not finger the route of the assassins but the late Onu Itama, it was gathered had been on series of chieftancy tussles and land dispute matters with some groups of people in the community since his assumption of office.
Aggrieved with the tragic incident, youths in the community on Tuesday morning were said to have started burning houses and destroying property of those suspected to be behind the brutal murder of the community chief.
It was gathered that Police personnel were immediately drafted from Egume Divisional Police Office along with some army personnel on ground to the community to keep peace. No fewer than 12 irate youths have been arrested by the combined forces while many flee the town.
The community is deserted as at the time our correspondent visited the Itama community as many took to their heels for fear of arrest or being hurt by the angry youths on rampage.
Some neighbouring communities like Elubi, Acharu and Egume suddenly became their refugee camps.
It was reliably gathered that another group of irate youths again stormed the community on Tuesday night, looted large quantity of red oil, foods items and property worth thousands of naira and set houses ablaze.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer, SP Pere who confirmed the incident said policemen and military personnel have been drafted to the community to restore normalcy.
He said 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the fracas.
Meanwhile, the community have been deserted as at the time our correspondent visited the Itama community as many took to their heels for fear of arrest or being hurt by the angry youths on rampage.
Some neighbouring communities, Elubi, Acharu and Egume suddenly became a refugee camps.
Late Chief Job Shagari Ebijego, a retired police office was until his death known for his wisdom, justice, unbiased umpire and dedication to the well-being of his people.
His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the communities with many calling on the Security to bring the perpetrators to justice.
All efforts to contact the Kogi state police command police public relations officer, SP. Williams Aya failed as he did not pick his calls.
