The Imo State Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for armed assailants who brutally killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, alongside five other victims.
The attack, which occurred on Friday along Asa Awara Road in Imo State, has thrown the community into mourning and heightened tension across the area.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command received a distress call from the Ohaji Police Division indicating that armed hoodlums ambushed and opened fire on the victims before setting some of the bodies ablaze.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Audu Bosso, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units in collaboration with other security agencies to track down those responsible for the killings.
Okoye disclosed that the monarch, identified as Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, was killed alongside five yet-to-be-identified persons during the deadly ambush.
He added that police operatives recovered the burnt remains of the victims from the scene, after which the bodies were evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.
“The command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover their weapons,” Okoye said.
He further noted that additional security measures have been deployed to prevent a recurrence of such violent attacks within Ohaji/Egbema and adjoining communities.
The police spokesperson also revealed that the Commissioner of Police later led a team on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the affected community, where he assured residents of intensified security presence and swift justice for the victims.
Bosso reportedly sympathised with the bereaved families and urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing investigations by providing credible information that could aid the arrest of the suspects.
“The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he assured.
The police have appealed to members of the public to assist the investigation by reporting useful information to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.
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