Gunmen have killed a traditional ruler in Imo State, identified as Ochia Paulinus Ekwueme of Ochia Awarra Ohaji, along with security operatives attached to him.
According to The PUNCH, the attack occurred on Friday night in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, throwing the community into mourning and fear.
Sources said the monarch was ambushed at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities while returning to his village after arriving in Owerri from a trip abroad earlier in the week.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as coordinated and deliberate.
“It was a well-planned attack. The monarch had just returned from abroad and was on his way to the village when he was ambushed,” the source said.
“We also heard that some of the security personnel in his convoy were killed. The entire community is in shock and mourning.”
The source further alleged that the attackers set the victims ablaze after carrying out the killings, although the exact number of casualties could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said authorities were aware of the killing but were still gathering details.
“Yes, we are aware of the killing of the traditional ruler. However, I cannot confirm the number of casualties at this time,” Okoye stated.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams to the area to restore calm and begin investigations.”
He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had ordered a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that all necessary resources be deployed to track down those responsible. We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the Ohaji/Egbema area as residents grapple with the aftermath of the attack.
