Police deploy tactical team after monarch, five others killed in Imo

The Imo State Police Command has deployed a tactical team to track down those responsible for the killing of a traditional ruler and five others in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of the state.

The monarch, Eze Ekwueme Paulinus Ekwueme of Ochia Awarra community, was killed on Friday night by suspected gunmen while returning to his village after arriving in Nigeria from an overseas trip.

Residents of the community were thrown into mourning following the attack, which occurred at the boundary between Ochia and Assa communities.

The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, described the incident as unfortunate and said the identities of the other victims had yet to be confirmed.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical operatives to the area to restore calm and apprehend the perpetrators.

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“Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilised 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, Owerri, for preservation and autopsy,” he said.

Okoye added that the command had commenced a comprehensive investigation, while operations were ongoing to arrest the suspects and recover any weapons used.

He said additional security measures had been put in place to prevent further incidents in the area.

The police commissioner, alongside his management team, also conducted an on-the-spot assessment, and visited the Ochia community to reassure residents and strengthen security presence.

The command extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.