Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot and killed Mr. Lambart Igbinomwanhia, the former chairman of the outlawed Community Development Association (CDA) of Oghoghobi village, near Benin, Edo State.
It was gathered that the killing of the former CDA chairman triggered a spontaneous reaction as youths in the community, while protesting the tragedy, set ablaze the palace of their traditional ruler, Omokaro Omoregie, and also vandalised the residence of another youth leader and an SUV parked within the premises.
The gunmen, who were said to have stormed the deceased’s residence 7a.m. on Sunday, reportedly called out to him: “Chairman, chairman” and then shot him at close range as he approached his gate.
The gunmen were said to have swiftly entered their car and sped off unchallenged.
It took the prompt intervention of operatives from the Edo Police Command before order was restored in the community.
When journalists visited Oghoghobi community shortly after the incident, youths, children, and women were seen wailing uncontrollably at the residence of the deceased on Old Sapele-Benin road.
The youths accused some traditional rulers of allegedly masterminding the killing of Lambart, who they described as peace loving and the only surviving son of his aged parents.
The traditional rulers were alleged to have threatened to kill the deceased several times over a land-related issue in the village.
When journalists visited the palace of the Enogie in Oghoghobi to get his reaction, the monarch was said to have left after his palace was set ablaze by the protesting youths.
Confirming the story, Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Haliru Gwandu, said he swiftly deployed policemen to Oghoghobi to restore peace and order.
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