Gunmen on Friday night killed the traditional ruler of Ochia, Paulinus Ekwueme, alongside security operatives in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

The attackers ambushed the monarch at the boundary of Assa and Ochia communities after he returned from a trip abroad earlier in the week.

Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the killing of the monarch, adding that security operatives had been deployed to ensure the area was safe.

A source said the late monarch had just returned from a trip abroad during the week only to be ambushed and killed by gunmen at the boundary of Assa and Ochia community.

The source privy to the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity said some security operatives in his convoy were also shot dead, though he could not confirm the number of casualties.

He said the monarch had allegedly left the community following a fracas with some people there and was heading home when he was attacked.

The source alleged that the monarch and the security operatives were set ablaze after the killing, adding that the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area had been thrown into mourning.

He said, “It was a well-planned and well-executed attack; someone must have given out the information that he was returning to the village on Friday. The incident happened at the boundary of Assa and Ochia community in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

“Our Eze had been abroad. He only arrived in Owerri on Friday and was heading to the village when he was attacked and killed. We were told that they were set ablaze by the gunmen. Everybody is scared and mourning.”

Okoye, who confirmed the killing of the monarch, said the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had upon learning of the incident ordered the immediate deployment of the tactical team throughout the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area to maintain calm and safety.

Okoye said, “Yes, I am fully aware of the killing of the traditional ruler but I do not have all the details for now, so I cannot confirm the number of casualties.

“Already, the Imo State CP, Audu Garba Bosso, has deployed the tactical team to commence investigation to identify the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

“The CP has also deployed enough security operatives to hunt down the killers. And I assure you that we will fish them out no matter where they are hiding.” (The PUNCH)

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