By Chidi Nkwopara
OWERRI—The spate of criminal activities in Imo State is on the rise again, as the traditional ruler of Okwuamarihe, Orsu local government area of Imo State, Eze Mike Ebighi, narrowly escaped assassination last Wednesday.

Confirming the ugly development from his hospital bed, the royal father said the incident occurred at about 1.15pm at Oboti, Umuakujiaka, near Umuonyeali Industrial Market, Mbieri, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State.

Noting that 17 of the assassins’ bullets were lodged in his lower chest after the attack, Eze Ebighi also recalled that he received a phone call that somebody was on the verge of selling a piece of land he purchased long ago.

“I also recall that while the telephone conversation was going on, there were other subdued voices in the background. I reasoned that the call must be a set up and I declined moving to the site,” the royal father said.

Eze Ebighi said he changed his mind and decided to visit the land and see things for himself, adding that after satisfying himself that there was no threat on the land, he decided to go back home.

“On getting close to my vehicle, one Chimezie Egeonu emerged from behind a palm tree with a gun and shot me. I covered the gunshot wound with my hand and slumped on my knees,” the royal father recounted.

He said that soon after, the alleged Chimezie approached the spot and was about corking his gun to fire what would have been the killer shot.

“I quickly got up, mustered courage and charged at him (the suspect) and he ran away. I really wanted to disarm him but the excruciating pain coming from the wound drained my strength and Chimezie made good his escape,” Eze Ebighi said.

Although no police officer wanted to say anything on this incident, the royal father, however, affirmed that the case was properly reported to the police and some arrests had already been made.