Edo Traditional Ruler in Coma after Attack by Gunmen

The traditional ruler and Enogie of Ukhiri community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, His Royal Highness Godwin Aigbe, is currently in coma after gunmen attacked him in his palace.

Several other persons were also said to have been injured during the attack on the Enogie.

Aigbe is said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital due to security reasons.

Trouble began for the traditional ruler when the hoodlums allegedly stormed his palace with several weapons to inflict injuries on him and those who with him.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers shot at him, and later stabbed him severally, breaking his legs with planks.

Not only that, the hoodlums were said to have destroyed five cars in his palace.

It was gathered that the Enogie’s community has been at loggerheads with Ulegun community over 222 hectares of land which resulted in both communities being at loggerheads since 1975.

Reacting to the incident, younger brother to the injured monarch, Kingsley Aigbe, urged security agencies to investigate the attack on his brother, alleging complicity of some security personnel.

Kingsley said he was called last Monday night that his brother was attacked and had to rush down to see him.

Also, a member of the community, Osayande Okhuarobo, said they were at the palace waiting to celebrate the Igue festival when they saw group of people running to the palace, and upon inquiry, those running said some attackers from a neighbouring community in two groups came to attack them.

"Women were cooking and we were outside the canopies. Later, we saw some people running towards us saying boys from Ulegun have destroyed some houses.

"Suddenly, the hoodlums came and chased us away. A tent outside the palace was burnt. When the Enogie called the police, the boys were chased away by the security agents.

"We were surprised they came back 30 minutes later and shot sporadically at the palace," Okhuarobo alleged.

Another witness, who was with the Enogie inside the house, Osagie Henry, said a tear gas canister was fired inside the house and they thought the palace had been set ablaze.

He said the Enogie ran out and the boys went after him.

Osagie alleged that he (the monarch) ran to the policemen at the check point to inform them about the attack, but they refused to follow him.

Also, one Ogbomo Osaigbovo said he drove the injured Enogie to the hospital as the police declined to provide security.

As at press time, no one in Ulegun community could be reached for comments.

However, the Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the attack, but denied earlier reports that the Enogie is dead, adding that efforts were on to arrest the perpetrators.