Ex CDA leader assassinated in Edo

TENSION has enveloped Oghoghobi community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State following alleged assassination of a former chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr Lambert Igbonowanhia, by unknown gunmen on Sunday morning in Benin.

Igbonowanhia was reportedly killed at about 7:00am on Sunday by gunmen, who shot him in the chest.

The 49-year-old youth leader was said to have walked to the gate of his house to receive the gunmen, who were said to be saluting him as a youth leader, only to be shot in the chest by the gunmen.

Following the killing, violence erupted in the community as some youths, who accused the Enogie (head) of the community of complicity in the death of Igbinowanhia, razed parts of the palace.

The late Igbinowanhia and the Enogie were said not to be best of friends, hence the attack on his house.

The former vice chairman to the late Igbinowanhia when he was the CDA chairman was also not spared as his house and car were damaged by youths.

Mother of the deceased, Magdalene Igbinowanhia, and wife Florence Igbinowanhia, described the late Igbinowanhia as their breadwinner, adding that there was a dispute between the deceased and the Enogie before the assassination.

However in a reaction, the Enogie, HRH Kingsley Omorose, described the allegations made against him as a calculated attempt to destroy his image.

He said he could never plan evil against any of his subjects and that police were already looking into an issue between the community and the deceased before his death.

The Police Commissioner in Edo State, Mr Haliru Gwandu, confirmed the killing of Mr Lambert Igbinowanhia, adding that he had since drafted policemen to Oghoghobi community.