The traditional ruler of Ochia Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Paulinus Ekwueme, has been killed by gunmen.
The attackers reportedly ambushed the monarch at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities on Friday, April 10, shortly after he returned from an overseas trip earlier in the week.
During the assault, the gunmen also killed five other individuals whose identities have yet to be confirmed.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Saturday that the victims were killed when the assailants invaded the community on Friday afternoon.
He explained that the police received a distress call from the Ohaji Police Division at about 4:30 p.m., reporting that the area was under attack.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, swiftly deployed tactical units with available operational resources to the scene.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately mobilised and dispatched tactical teams to Assa, where officers recovered the burnt bodies of the victims,” Okoye said.
He added that the remains had been evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri for preservation and autopsy.
Okoye noted that the police had launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while operations were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
He also stated that additional security measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such attacks in the area.
The police commissioner, along with his management team, visited the community to reassure residents of their commitment to restoring calm and maintaining a strong security presence.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and urged residents to support the investigation by reporting any suspicious activities to security agencies.
