The traditional ruler of Umunya, Igwe Kris Onyekwuluje yesterday escaped assassination attempt after men of the Special Anti-Robbery squad (SARS) foiled an attempt to murder him in cold blood by ten men from Umuleri and Aguleri allegedly hired by Umunya sons led by Ekene Okonkwo Eje and Chukwudozie Udemezue.
SARS operatives it was learnt on a tip off by one of those contacted to do the clandestine job on time and venue of the attack swung into action, although they missed the bus load of the gang but pieces of evidences they left behind led to the arrest of three of the men allegedly masterminding the murder plan while others escaped.
Those arrested and detained by the police over the planned murder of Igwe Onyekwuluje are Ekene Okonkwo Eje, Mmaduka Udemezue and Okey Emelife.
Others at large on wanted list now by police are Chukwudozie Udemezue, Charles Menankiti, Sunday Esedo, Ozoekwe Nwoye, Gregory Emeneogha, Obed Nweke , Denis Nweke, John Udokwu, Eric Morah , Patrick Oramulu , Edwin Nwankwo their native doctor and Ozoekwe Nwoye among others on the run.
The documentary evidence of how the plot to kill Igwe Onyekwuluje leaked to the Police by one of the masterminds who could not stand the wasting of innocent life was jittery, overwhelming and unbelievable, that such superlative investigator and detectors are still with Nigerian police. It was so graphic a discussion to murder as the plot was to either pour acid on Igwe Umunya or shot at him at close range.
How the vigilante group members from other communities were brought in for the hatchet job and how it was foiled were so glaring as names were mentioned and prizes tagged for killing Igwe Umunya who was so ridiculed by the suspects and their sponsors.
When contacted , Igwe Kris .C. Onyekwuluje, admitted plans to kill him for being a peacemaker for the progress and development of Umunya community, he said the attempt was foiled but refused to speak further on phone with our correspondent as the matter is under police investigation.
‘’Yes that’s true and I can’t believe this is happening, I am a peacemaker and will stand by the peace’’, he said.
Officer in charge of SARS, James Nwafor refused to speak but confirmed there was an arrest by the police and that there was an alleged plan to murder the Igwe of Umunya , Igwe Onyekwuluje but would not speak further and even directed this reporter to the state police command where the PPRO , Okechukwu Ali is in the better position to speak to the press on behalf of police command on efforts of the state CP Hassan Hosea Karma.
The PPRO Okechukwu Ali, DSP, could not be reached but an official of the state police command who is not authorized to speak to the press said the suspects would be charged to court on Monday.
But Chairman of Youths Association of Odumodu Ani and Odumodu Enu, Villages of Umunya community, Oyi local government area, Nze Okwudili Nwankwo confirmed the arrest by police of the three men and why they were arrested.
He said the marauders struck but missed their target but with the intervention of police their masterminds were arrested and detained.
ENDS.
