The hitherto peaceful Oganenigu community, Dekina LGA of Kogi State was thrown into pandemonium last week, when masked men armed with various dangerous weapons swooped on the traditional ruler of the community, His Highness Imaji Omojayi.
The assailants numbered about three and dressed in overall black, sneaked into the palace through the alternative gate and made straight for the chief’s living room where he usually receives quests at about 9:00PM.
On sighting the chief, the assailants fired many shot at him but seeing that bullet was not having effect on him, two of the assailant descended on him with machetes while the third was pounding him with a rounded-headed object.
This inflicted very heavy injury on the aged traditional chief. Not even the plea by the chief’s wife could pacify the attackers. When they notice that the chief was motionless, one of the attackers beckons others to leave the chief alone, that he is already dead.
The assailants quickly jumped on the motor cycles on which they rode to the palace. Before those attracted by the shout for help by the chief’s wife could arrive the palace, the hoodlum had escaped, leaving the second class chief in the pools of his own blood.
The chief was quickly rushed to the community clinic where first aid treatment was administered on him before he was transferred to Anyigba referral hospital for comprehensive treatment.
The chief’s wife later told sympathisers that the assailants may have rolled their motorcycles to the palace as they did not hear the sound of an engine before the attack.
Speaking exclusively to Leadership Weekend on the incidence, the secretary of the community’s traditional council, Isaac Hayes Shuaibu said, the incidence is already been investigated by the police. He assured news men that further details will be released when investigation is concluded.
According to sources who plead anonymity, the grouse of the attackers might not be unconnected with the complications arising from the brouhahas over the Fulani settlement in the community.
The community has suffered intermittent crises since it first attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen in late 2015.
As at press time, the traditional ruler is said to be recuperating fast. His Highness Imaji Omojayi was chosen as the 5th Egena of Oganenigu community by the Igala Traditional Council in 1991.
Credits: Omonu Yax-Nelson | Leadership
