Violence erupts in KuGompo as protesters clash over Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ coronation

A protest against the coronation of a Nigerian Igbo King has turned violent in KuGompo in the Buffalo City metro.

Protesters gathered peacefully at the city hall before dispersing and running up the city's main street looting shops and setting vehicles on fire.

There are also unconfirmed reports of violent altercations and a stabbing of one of the protesters.

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Kugompo City residents rally to protest coronation of 'Nigerian king'

The coronation of Igbo chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko has been received with anger by KuGompo residents who gone on a violent protest in the city targeting foreign owned shops and businesses.

Shops along the main road have also been closed as rioters continue to loot various businesses.

Police are also using rubber bullets to disperse angry crowds. 

Before the violent protest started, Xhanti Sigcawu of the Amathole local house of traditional and khoi-san leaders said said they’re offended by the coronation and warned that things could turn violent.

Protesters have now handed over a memorandum to traditional aurhtorities calling for government intervention.