The Imo State Police Command has begun investigation following the killing of a traditional ruler, his two brothers and three others by gunmen and their bodies set ablaze.
The traditional ruler of the Ochia autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme Ekwueme, was killed alongside his two brothers, his driver and two security guards
It was gathered that the traditional rulers, who had been away from the community due to health challenges, had just returned to the community.
He was said to have attended a meeting on Friday evening in his community and shortly after the meeting, the gunmen came out from the bush, shot him and the five others accompanying him before setting their bodies as well as his vehicle ablaze,
Confirming the incident on Saturday, April 11, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Audu Garba Bosso, said the command had already deployed tactical units with available operational assets to go after the killers of the traditional ruler and five others.
A statement issued on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Henry Okoye, said that the deployment of security personnel followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division indicating that armed assailants attacked the traditional ruler and others along Asa Awara Road.
According to the statement, after receiving the report, the command dispatched tactical teams to the scene where operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased
The remains have eventually been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for autopsy.
The command said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killing.
It was gathered that the killing of the traditional ruler and five others has created tension in the community as some youth were threatening for a showdown, while also demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice as soon as possible.
By Desire Emmanuel
