The traditional ruler of Isiozi-Akah Autonomous Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barr. Victor Obioma Ijeoma has broken his silence notifying members of the general public that he is not the same Eze Victor Ijioma who was killed and set ablaze by unknown gunmen in Oguta last month.
Recall, that the social media and circular newspapers were awash with reports about the gruesome murder of HRH Eze Victor Ijioma of Ezi-Orsu Autonomous Community in Oguta Council Area of the State. The incident occurred at Umuamaka Junction in the neighboring Izombe town on 26th May, 2023.
Report had it that late Eze Ijioma was killed and roasted inside his car by his assailants.
While, The Nation Newspaper of 27th May, 2023 edition published on its front page titled, “Gunmen set monarch ablaze, kill deputy in Imo”.
Reacting to the publications, Eze Barr. Victor Obioma Ijeoma, Isi Udo 1 of Isiozi-Akah Autonomous Community stated that his profession as a practising lawyer and surname spelling, “Ije and Iji” differentiated him from the slain traditional ruler of Ezi-Orsu Autonomous Community.
Eze Barr. Ijeoma narrated that he received over 300 calls from his family and friends between 26th and 30th June, 2023 over purported news of his death. He let them know that nothing happened to him as the news came as a result of co-incidence of names.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Almighty God for keeping him alive even when enemies have been celebrating his purported assassination.
Hear him, “It was a very bad incident, but I thank God that I am still alive today. I remember how traditional rulers were shot dead during our meeting in October, 2021 at Njaba Local Government Headquarters, Nnenasa. I was sitting opposite the two traditional rulers who were shot dead by unknown gunmen that day at the Council Headquarters. I immediately fell down as if I have been gunned down.
Above all, I owe God gratitude for sparing my life. And I pray for the repose of the souls of the assassinated traditional rulers, Eze Barr. Anayo Durueburuo, Eze Sampson Osunwa and Eze Victor Ijioma of Ezi-Orsu Autonomous Community in Oguta Council Area. May the Almighty God give their families fortitude to bear the irrepairable loss”.
