Imo Police Intensify Manhunt for Assailants After Brutal Attack on Traditional Ruler
In a shocking incident that has rattled the community, unknown assailants brutally murdered the monarch of Ochia autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, along with five other individuals. The attack occurred on Friday, April 10, 2026, along Asa Awara Road, where the hoodlums not only killed the victims but also set their bodies ablaze, leaving a trail of devastation.
Police Confirm Tragic Incident and Deploy Tactical Teams
The Imo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, has confirmed the killing in an official statement issued on Saturday. Okoye disclosed that the bodies of the monarch and the five yet-to-be-identified victims have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Owerri for autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, who personally visited the scene, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units and operational assets in collaboration with sister security agencies. The goal is to hunt down the fleeing perpetrators and restore calm to the affected area.
Details of the Attack and Police Response
According to Okoye, the police received a distress report from Ohaji Division on April 10, 2026, at approximately 1630 hours, indicating an armed attack on the traditional ruler. The response was swift, with tactical teams mobilized to the scene at Assa, where they recovered the burnt corpses. The remains were evacuated to the hospital for preservation and further examination.
The police have commenced a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the suspects and recover any weapons they may possess. Adequate security measures have been implemented to prevent future occurrences of such tragic incidents in the area and its environs.
Community Engagement and Assurance of Security
In a move to reassure residents, Commissioner Bosso and his management team conducted an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community. They emphasized the command's resolve to enhance sustained security presence and restore peace.
Bosso extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured Imo residents of the police's commitment to maintaining security and a peaceful atmosphere. He stressed that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full wrath of the law in due course.
Call for Public Cooperation
The police have urged members of the public with credible information that could aid the investigation to come forward. They can report to the nearest police station or contact the command through emergency lines: 0803 477 3600 or 08148024755. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
This incident highlights a concerning trend, as it marks one of several attacks on traditional rulers in the region over the past few years, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance.
