Police retrieve burnt corpses of traditional ruler, 5 others killed in Imo

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Imo State Police Command said the remains of traditional ruler of Ochia Kingdom, Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme who was killed and set ablaze alongside five others have been retrieved and deposited in a mortuary.

DSP Henry Okoye, the Command’s spokesperson said the traditional and the five other victims killed by yet-to- be-identified by assailants who attacked their vehicle along Asa Awara Road in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of of State.

He said their remains were retrieved when State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso led operatives to the scene of the incident following the incident.

According to him, the visit followed distress report at Ohaji Division on 10th April, 2026 at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked the traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa Awara Road.

“Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom), alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.”

Okoye said 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.”

Okoye said the CP had ordered deployment of tactical units with available operational assets to go all out, in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down hoodlums responsible for the dastardly attack on the traditional ruler and others.

“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.

“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.

“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 further urges members of the public with credible information that will aid the ongoing investigation to report to the nearest Police Station or contact the Command through the following emergency lines: 0803 477 3600, 08148024755, Okoye said while assuring that further developments in the case will be communicated in due course.