Monarch’s palace razed in Imo

Hoodlums have set ablaze the palace of the traditional ruler of the Etekwuru community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

His properties and highlander jeep were not spared as the hoodlums monitored the razing. The incident which happened Thursday night came after the clash between youths and soldiers the community.

The clash which led to the death of one of the soldiers and in a reprisal, the disgruntled military men burnt some houses in the agrarian community.

On Thursday night, the hoodlums stormed the king’s palace with explosives and when they could not find the monarch or any member of his family, they set his house and properties which included his official vehicle on fire.

The traditional ruler who said that he was rescued by police operatives, decried that he left his palace half-naked.

The monarch told our correspondent that he was taking refuge at the Divisional Police Headquarters located at Mmahu.

In a text message sent to our correspondent, the monarch said, “At 10.30 pm of Thursday 21/10/21 hoodlums came into my compound, broke my window glasses, pour fuel into my rooms, and set my house on fire.

“The police came around 11.45 pm but could not get the arsonists. I learnt it was those boys responsible for the killing of the soldier whose houses were set on fire by the Army on reprisal that are responsible for the arson.

“I left my house with only boxers as all properties in my house burnt. As the police arrived, I came out from my hidden point and discovered that the next building to my house is also on fire.

“I am calling for help from any good-spirited person to enable me to survive the shock, as I am now in the police station.”