1 month ago
40
The Police Command in Imo has said that gunmen on Saturday night shot and killed eight community leaders in Umucheke, Onuimo Local Government Area.
The police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, confirmed the incident on Sunday when he led some heads of other security agencies to the scene of the attack.
Mr Danjuma blamed the attack on suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).
He said the police, in collaboration with the Nigeria Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were currently combing the forests in and around the Okigwe axis in search of the hoodlums.
“The hoodlums that perpetrated yesterday’s attack are six in number.
“They came on three motorcycles; people of the community claimed they saw them but didn’t report to the police or other security agencies until they perpetrated the killings and fled.
“Imo residents need to be security conscious and report any suspicious activity to the police because that is the only way we can put an end to these senseless killings,” the state police boss said.
Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.
PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth, meticulously researched news and information.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Will you support our newsroom with a modest donation to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
He commiserated with the families of the deceased and the Umucheke Community over the unfortunate killing.
He assured them that security agencies were working in synergy to apprehend the miscreants responsible for the dastardly act and make them face the full wrath of the law.
He further said that the command would station a detachment of security operatives in the village to beef up security in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that those killed included the President-General of the community, Hyginus Ohazurike, and seven other village heads.
They were reportedly attacked while holding a meeting at Ohazurike’s shop.
Sources told reporters on condition of anonymity that the reason for the attack could not be ascertained, saying that the community had been peaceful and never experienced such an incident before.
The incident occurred barely a week after gunmen attacked some parts of Owerri, the Imo capital, killing five policemen and three civilians.
(NAN)
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999
English (US) ·