The country residence of Eze Kanu Ikenolu, the traditional ruler of the Ndia Iche Arondizuogu community located in the Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, has been set ablaze by unidentified gunmen. This incident instilled fear and panic within the community, leading villagers and even family members of the monarch to flee into the surrounding bushes for safety.

Reports indicate that the attackers employed explosive devices to target the mansion, resulting in the destruction of the house, parked vehicles within the compound, and other belongings. A resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the estimated value of the damaged properties amounts to millions of naira.

"The palace of HRH, Eze Ikenolu, the Eze of Ndia Iche Arondizuogu has been invaded by unknown gunmen and the people are in the bushes now," the source revealed.

Expressing frustration, the source noted that law enforcement officers were yet to arrive at the village during their conversation with our correspondent, raising concerns about the security presence in the area. "Or is Arondizuogu no longer part of Imo State?" the source queried.

Imo State's Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident of arson, stating, "Frantic efforts are on top gear to arrest the arsonists and bring them to justice."