In a shocking incident, seven traditional chiefs were gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen during a meeting in the Umucheke Community, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State. The tragedy occurred on Saturday evening, as armed assailants stormed a gathering at the President General’s shop in the community market.
The victims included Hyginus Ohazuruike, the President General of Umucheke Okwe Autonomous Community, and six village heads. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived in a vehicle, opened fire on the unsuspecting chiefs, and then set the bodies and the meeting venue ablaze before fleeing the scene. The reason behind this brutal assault remains unknown, as the agenda of the meeting had not been made public.
Following the incident, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, visited the community alongside key security officials, including Dr. Emeka Obi, the Sole Administrator of Onuimo LGA, and representatives from the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze and the NSCDC. The Commissioner expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire community, assuring them that all necessary measures are being taken to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
In a statement issued by ASP Henry Okoye, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the killings have been attributed to suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). However, official confirmation and further details on the motives behind the attack are still pending.
The heinous act has led to widespread fear and panic, causing many residents to flee the village. Dr. Emeka Obi condemned the violence and urged the community to remain calm while security forces work to restore peace and order.
