Police launch manhunt after Imo monarch, 5 others killed

OWERRI — The Imo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed a traditional ruler, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend.
Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Autonomous Community, was reportedly attacked on Friday along Asa Awara Road in Assa community.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Bosso, had deployed tactical units in collaboration with other security agencies to track down the attackers.

“The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Police Division on April 10 at about 1630 hours, indicating that armed assailants attacked Ekwueme,” he said.

“Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.”
He added that the victims’ burnt remains had been recovered and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

According to him, a comprehensive investigation is underway, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover weapons used in the attack.

The police also assured residents of strengthened security measures to prevent further incidents.

Bosso later visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment and to reassure residents of the command’s commitment to security.

He sympathised with the victims’ families and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The police urged the public to provide credible information to aid the investigation, directing them to report to the nearest police station or contact the command via 08034773600 or 08148024755.