The once peaceful and quiet town of Umuokiri in Imo State has been thrown into a state of shock and fear after an unprovoked attack by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The militants invaded the traditional ruler’s palace and opened fire, killing the king and several others.
Gunmen, on Monday, reportedly shot and killed the traditional ruler of Ezuhu na Amadi Autonomous Community in Abor Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo, Eze Nnamdi Mmirioma.
The incident occurred at about 3.00p.m. when the gunmen allegedly invaded Mmirioma’s palace and shot him severally.
The reason for the dastardly act on the deceased could not be easily ascertained at the time of filing the report.
The incident had thrown the community into palpable fear and panic.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, confirmed the incident to NAN, describing it as gruesome.
In a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the state police boss noted that Mmirioma died while receiving medical attention at Ndubuisi Hospital.
“The Commissioner of Police has set up a high powered investigation into the incident to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Mr Okoye stated.
NAN