Gunmen kill traditional ruler, 5 others in Imo community attack

Tragedy struck in Imo State as unidentified gunmen killed six people, including a traditional ruler, in a brutal attack that has left residents in shock.

The victims include His Royal Highness Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. Also killed were two of his brothers, his driver, and security aides.

Reports indicate that the assailants carried out the attack on Friday shortly after the monarch attended a meeting with women in the community.

Eze Ekwueme, who had been away for years due to health issues, had only recently returned.

According to information from a video circulating online, the gunmen shot the victims and set their bodies ablaze alongside the monarch’s official vehicle.

Commissioner of Police confirmed the incident, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, who stated that tactical units with available operational resources have been deployed to hunt down the assailants responsible for this heinous attack on the traditional ruler of the Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa in Ohaji/Egbema LGA.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, DSP Okoye Henry, it was noted that the deployment of security personnel followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division on April 10, 2026, at approximately 4:30 PM. The report indicated that armed assailants had attacked the traditional ruler along Asa Awara Road.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police promptly mobilised and dispatched tactical teams to the scene in Assa, where officers recovered the burnt remains of the deceased.

He said that the remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

‎The PPRO said that 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.

He said adequate security measures have also been emplaced to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs.

‎Additionally, 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 urged 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