Names Of The Traditional Rulers Who Have Been Kidnapped Or Killed In The South East Since 2022

Names Of The Traditional Rulers Who Have Been Kidnapped Or Killed In The South East Since 2022

Enugu

1. In 2018
HRH Igwe Stephen Nwatu (Ogbozinne Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA): He was killed due to a dispute between him and his subjects, he was beaten to a pulp by his subjects and abandoned at the scene of the incident, while the policemen who were with him fled.

2. June 2021
HRH Igwe Sunday Orji (Ezinne Mgbowo, Awgu LGA).).He was kldnapped along with his wife on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. They were later released after several days in captivity after allegedly paying a ransom.

3. December 26, 2020
HRH Igwe Emmanuel Chidiebere Mba (Oruku, Nkanu East LGA). Eze Mba was shot de@d by armed men who claimed to be policemen from Force Headquarters, Abuja.

4. December 24, 2024
HRH Igwe Ezugwu Patrick (Adani, Uzo-Uwani LGA): He was killed in his palace

5. HRH Igwe Charles Ibe (Amankpunato Achi, Oji River LGA): Reported kidn@pped in August 2021 while traveling.

Ebonyi

6. June 2022,
HRH Eze Ambrose Okorie Ogbu, the King of Isu, an autonomous community in Onicha LGA, he was kidn@pped in his palace together with his bodyguard. His bodyguard was later released

7. In February 2023
Late Ezeogo Christopher Igboke Ewa (JP), known as the Isi Ozor I of Umuezeokoha, was a prominent traditional ruler in Ezza LGA. He was shot de@d in his palace

8. May 3, 2024
His Royal Highness, Eze Umazi Ibo Ubani (also known as Omazi Ibo Ubani or Ukazi Ibo Ubani), the traditional ruler of Umuihe Autonomous Community in Akaeze, Ivo LGA was mvrdered by gvnmen in his palace.

9. March 1, 2026.
Ezeogo Francis Igwe, the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo LGA, was kidn@pped while going to church and later mvrdered by his abductors. He was the father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe.

Abia State

10. Eze Ignatus Asor (Obi I of Ituma):
In 2022, he was tragically killed by gunmen who attacked his palace during a community meeting.

11. Eze Michael Okechukwu (Eze of Amuro): Kidnapped and later found dead in 2023 after being abducted from his home.

12. Eze N.A. Akonye: Abducted in late 2023; his release was later secured after several days in captivity.

13. Eze Preye Gbe:
Reported was kidnapped in early 2024, leading to heightened security measures in the Umuahia North area.

Anambra

14. November, 2021
HRH Igwe Oliver Nnaji, the traditional Ruler of Ogwuaniocha Community, Ogbaru LGA, was kldn@pped and his whereabouts remain unknown.

15. September 10, 2021
HRH Igwe Alex Edozieuno, Former Traditional Ruler of Mkpunando Aguleri, Anambra East, was mvrdered along with his driver, Chukwuemeka, along Ezu Bridge

16. HRH Igwe Godson Onyediri the traditional Ruler of Lilu Community, his Palace was burnt, and reports indicated a palace chief was abducted in late 2025.

17. February 6, 2026
Chief Ikwuka Okoye Anumiri (President General of Ogidi Community) was kllled by gvnmen at the School Field, Ogidi, in Idemili North LGA.

IMO STATE

18. HRH Eze Ignatius Asor (Obudi-Agwa community, Oguta LGA): @ssassinated in his palace by gvnmen on November 14, 2022, along with two of his aides.

19. HRH Eze Victor Ijioma (Orsu Obodo, Oguta LGA): @ssassinated in January 2024 at Umuamaka Junction in Izombe; his body was set ablaze inside his car by the @ssailants.

20. HRH Eze Paul Ogbu (Ihitte Ihube autonomous community, Okigwe LGA): Abducted on December 12, 2021, and later confirmed de@d; his body was discovered on December 15, 2021.

21. HRH Eze Acho Ndukwe (Amagu Ihube, Okigwe LGA): Abducted along with Eze Ogbu on December 12, 2021, but was later rescued by security forces.

22. HRH Eze Edwin Azike (Atta community, Njaba LGA): Kidn@pped in December 2021, and his body was found dumped at a market square.

23. HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri (Former Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers) Kidn@pped on January 6, 2024, at his palace in Oburodu, Orodo in Mbaitoli LGA. He was later released by his abductors after 12 days.

24. HRM Joel Nwankwo (Isiala Umudi, Nkwerre LGA): Kidn@pped in September 2022 but managed to escape.

25. HRH Eze Mmirioma (Nguru community, Aboh Mbaise LGA): Shot and kllled in his palace, according to reports in late 2023.

26. HRH Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere, the father of former Imo State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, was kidn@pped on Friday, November 19, 2021, and safely released five days later.

27. HRH Eze Damian Nwaigwe of Mbutu Ancient Kingdom, who was kidn@pped on 09/12/2021 at about 0300 hours in his residence. He was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family.”