Gunmen have murdered Edwin Azike, the traditional ruler of Atta ancient kingdom in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Imo State Police confirmed the incident on Friday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Mike Abatam, Azike had been abducted on Thursday night.
His lifeless body was later identified and recovered inside his vehicle along the road leading to the market square in the community on Friday morning.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses also told Channels Television that four other people were killed in the community.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police Rabiu Hussaini has directed all the tactical teams to swing into action immediately and go after the perpetrators.
The incident comes less than 24 hours after another traditional ruler in Mbutu ancient kingdom of Aboh Mbaise Local government area of the state Damian Nwaigwe, was abducted from his palace.