A traditional title holder in Nri Community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Oba Maduka Arubaluezeama, popularly known as Oba Muozuluaru, has been shot dead in a violent attack that has sent shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at around 7 p.m. at a building site in Nise, where he had gone to supervise work on his ongoing construction project. According to local sources, armed assailants confronted him, ordered him to leave the site, and opened fire as he attempted to enter his vehicle. The attack was fatal, with reports indicating that the bullets struck him directly, causing immediate death.
The community is now gripped by tension and fear following the assassination. Many believe the killing may be linked to the long-standing dispute over the vacant traditional stool in Nri, which has remained unoccupied for about eight years after the death of Eze Obidiegwu Onyeso. Several attempts to install a new king have failed due to fierce contention among indigenes over who should ascend the throne. Oba Muozuluaru had been vocal in this matter, making him a potential target in the power struggle.
The source also highlighted that the land where the deceased was building his house is under dispute, as other wealthy landowners have purchased plots in the same area for their own projects. However, suspicion remains high that the underlying cause is the kingship tussle. This theory is supported by previous violent incidents tied to the controversy. For instance, Chief Sunday Alike was severely macheted by suspected cultists just as he stepped out from Oba Muozuluaru’s house. Last year, Ogazi, commander of the Nri Central vigilante, was also assassinated in the evening, with many pointing to the traditional stool conflict as the motive.
Furthermore, members of the Nri Nze-na-Ozor traditional society were attacked a few years ago during a meeting at Agbadani village hall, and again, the kingship dispute was cited as the reason. These recurring acts of violence suggest a pattern of escalating hostility within the community. The murder of Oba Muozuluaru has thrown the entire area into mourning, given his popularity and respected status among residents.
Community leaders are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation by the police to bring the perpetrators to justice. As of the time of reporting, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, had not confirmed the incident. With tensions rising and past violence casting a shadow over the region, the need for swift action and peace restoration has become urgent. The fate of Nri’s leadership and social harmony now hangs in the balance.
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