Gunmen kill monarch, five residents in Imo community

Gunmen have killed Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo state.

A statement on Saturday by Henry Okoye, spokesperson of the Imo police command, said five persons were also killed during the attack, which occurred on Friday night.

Okoye said the police received a distress call about the incident and immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

“Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilized and dispatched tactical teams to the scene at Assa, where operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased. The remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy,” he said.

Okoye added that the command has commenced an investigation into the attack and launched a manhunt for the assailants.

“Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession. Adequate security measures have also been emplaced to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs,” he said.

Okoye said the commissioner of police and his management team have visited the community to assess the situation and reassure residents.

“In addition, the Commissioner of Police and his Management Team have embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community to reassure residents of the Command’s resolve to restore calm and enhance sustained security presence in the affected area,” he said.

Okoye said the police commissioner commiserated with the families of the victims and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“While extending condolences to the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims, the CP assures Imolites that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the State, and that in no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Okoye urged members of the public with credible information to assist the ongoing investigation by reporting to the nearest police station or contacting the command through its emergency lines: m0803 477 3600 and 08148024755.(TheCable)