Gunmen Kill Imo Monarch Paulinus Ekwueme, Five Other Residents

Gunmen have killed Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, Henry Okoye, saying five other people also lost their lives in the attack, which happened on Friday night.

According to Okoye, the police received an emergency alert about the attack and quickly deployed tactical officers to the area.

“Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilized 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 (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy,” he said.

The police spokesperson said the command has now opened a full investigation into the killings and has launched a search operation to track down those behind the attack.

“Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession.

“Adequate security measures have also been emplaced to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs,” he said.

Okoye said the Commissioner of Police and members of his management team visited Ochia community for an on-the-spot assessment and to reassure the people of the command’s commitment to restoring peace.

“In addition, the Commissioner of Police and his Management Team have embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community to reassure residents of the Command’s resolve to restore calm and enhance sustained security presence in the affected area,” he said.

He said the police commissioner also expressed condolences to the families of the late monarch and the other victims, while promising that those responsible would soon be arrested and prosecuted.

“While extending condolences to the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims, the CP assures Imolites that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the State, and that in no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Okoye further appealed to members of the public with useful information to support the investigation by reporting to the nearest police station or contacting the command’s emergency lines: m0803 477 3600 and 08148024755.

KanyiDaily also reported how gunmen killed the traditional ruler of Ahungha Village in the Agamo area of Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun.