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The Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Akaeze Ofulue III, has been killed, reports say.
He had been kidnapped on January 5 by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Obior/ Igbodo Road, Delta State, along with his driver.
Vanguard reports that the monarch’s corpse was found at Ekpon, in Edo State at 3pm, on Thursday.
A source close to the palace said a young Hausa man who was allegedly found with the king’s GSM hand-set was arrested three days ago by the Police.
The source who pleaded anonymity, said the kingdom had been thrown into mourning and confusion, adding, “The late monarch was so dear to us. His death has brought setback to the kingdom. “
Disclosing that the monarch passed on at the age of 52, the source said that the arrested Hausa boy was still being questioned by security operatives.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident, saying that the police was still in search of those behind the crime.
Rep. Joan Mrakpor, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency and also a cousin to the late king described the death as monumental.
“What a waste,” Mrakpor lamented last night in between sobs.
She called for drastic solution to the harassment of the civil population in Delta North by nomadic kidnappers.
“What have we done to deserve this? They keep on brutalising our people,” she sobbed