26th May, 2023
Police operatives assisted by soldiers and other security operatives in Imo have began hunting for gunmen who killed two traditional leaders in Oguta local government area of the state in separate attacks on Thursday.
One of the murdered persons was the traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo community, Eze Victor Ijioma.
Some eyewitnesses said the gunmen intercepted the car he was riding in at Umuamaka Junction in the neighbouring Izombe town, where they shot him dead.
The gunmen reportedly proceeded to set the car with his remains still inside ablaze.
However, the traditional Prime Minister of Isama of the Mgbele community was murdered in his town by yet to be identified gunmen.
It was learnt that there have been heavy security deployments in the local government in search for the gunmen who committed the dastardly murders.
Meanwhile, the Imo Police Command has condemned the murder of the two traditional leaders while confirming that serious manhunt is going on for the apprehension of their assailants.
Spokesperson for Imo Police Command, Henry Okoye said, ”the Commissioner of police condemns in strong terms the gruesome murders of the traditional ruler and the prime minister. He has inaugurated high powered team of security men to go all out to arrest the hoodlums.
“We are collaborating with the military and we have increased security presence in the areas with the view to arresting the killers. The commissioner of police commiserates with the families of the killed community leaders and prays God gives them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”