Imo Monarch, Five Other Killed by Gunmen

Gunmen have killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, popularly known as Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom.

The monarch, a trained lawyer, and five others in his entourage were ambushed and shot dead on Friday night, April 10, along the Asa Awara Road at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities. Their bodies were later set ablaze by the attackers before police could reach the scene.

NaijaChoice News gathered that Eze Ekwueme had only just returned from a prolonged stay abroad, reportedly to attend to community matters after years away due to health challenges. Community sources described the attack as well-planned, suggesting inside information about his movement from Owerri to the village.

Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the killings in a statement on Saturday. He said the remains of the monarch and the five unidentified victims were recovered and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Owerri for autopsy.

Okoye added that Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso immediately deployed tactical teams to the area upon receiving the distress call around 4:30pm on Friday. The teams have since been combing the locality to restore calm and track down the perpetrators.

“The CP has ordered a full-scale manhunt. We will fish out those responsible no matter where they are hiding,” Okoye assured residents.

The Ohaji/Egbema area has been thrown into deep mourning, with residents expressing fear over the brazen nature of the assault. Many described the late Eze as a peace-loving leader who had maintained strong ties with his people despite his long absence.

This incident marks the third killing of a traditional ruler in the South-east within the last two months, raising fresh concerns about the safety of traditional institutions amid persistent insecurity in the region.

Police investigations are ongoing, with assurances that no stone will be left unturned to bring the killers to justice.