By Our Correspondent
The killing of Oba Mmaduka Arubaluezeama, also known as Oba Muozuluaru, of Nri in Anambra State, has thrown the ancient community into mourning, amid speculation over the motive behind his assassination.
Arubaluezeama was reportedly shot dead at about 7pm on Tuesday around his building site along the Agulu-Nise axis, near the WAEC office.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the chief was allegedly confronted by some gunmen at the site and ordered to leave the area.
He was said to have refused to comply with the order, following which the assailants allegedly shot him several times, with the bullets reportedly hitting his forehead.
The motive for the killing remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, but two major theories were being discussed in the community — a possible chieftaincy tussle and a dispute over the land where the deceased was building.
Those linking the killing to a chieftaincy dispute recalled an incident about two years ago when suspected hoodlums allegedly disrupted a meeting of Nze na Ozo title holders at Agbada Ani Village Hall in Nri.
Sources also alleged that the same group had previously attacked and macheted Chief Sunday Alike before the late Nri community vigilante commander, popularly known as Ogazi, was subsequently killed in similar circumstances.
Another line of speculation in the community centred on the land where the high chief was constructing his building.
The site, according to sources, was located in a choice area, prompting speculation that a land-related disagreement might have played a role in his killing.
But the exact circumstances surrounding the murder, including the identity of the attackers and their motive, remained unknown.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the police on whether any arrest had been made or whether an investigation had commenced.
When contacted by telephone, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was not aware of the incident.
Ikenga, however, promised to make inquiries about the reported killing.
The development has reportedly plunged Nri into mourning, with residents expressing shock over the killing of the high chief.
A community source, who pleaded anonymity, described the deceased as a great philanthropist and a prominent member of the administration of the erstwhile traditional ruler of the community.
“He was a man who contributed greatly to the community and was widely respected,” the source said.
The source further said that the community was relying on the professional investigation of the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The unanswered question now hanging over Nri is simple but disturbing: Who killed Oba Mmaduka Arubaluezeama, and why?
Until investigators establish the facts, the competing claims of a chieftaincy struggle and a land dispute remain allegations rather than established motives for the killing.
