The palace of the traditional ruler of the Etekwuru community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State has been set ablaze by some yet-to-be-identified thugs.

The PUNCH reports that the monarch escaped half-naked, alongside his wife, as the hoodlums destroyed the palace including his highlander jeep and other properties.

According to the publication, the thugs’ attack on Thursday night came just 24 hours after a soldier was killed during a clash with youths and the military in the community.

The military men were said to have burnt some houses in the agrarian community.

At the time of filing this report, the traditional ruler is taking refuge at the Divisional Police Headquarters located at Mmahu.

In a text message, the monarch said, “At 10.30 pm of Thursday 21/10/21 hoodlums came into my compound, broke my window glasses, pour fuel into my rooms, and set my house on fire.

“They were shooting sporadically and I couldn’t find a way of escape with my wife and child. I started making calls to the police for help but the help could not come until the building burnt beyond control. My 4runner Jeep burnt to ashes.

“The police came around 11.45 pm but could not get the arsonists. I learnt it was those boys responsible for the killing of the soldier whose houses were set on fire by the Army on reprisal that are responsible for the arson.

“I left my house with only boxers as all properties in my house burnt. As the police arrived, I came out from my hidden point and discovered that the next building to my house is also on fire.

“I am calling for help from any good-spirited person to enable me to survive the shock, as I am now in the police station.”