Terrorists on Saturday night killed seven leaders in the Umucheke community in Okwe, in the Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State.
Indigenes of the area said the gunmen attacked the victims at a meeting held at the home of the president-general of the community, who was also murdered.
The Imo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the gruesome murder.
The Command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, confirmed this to our correspondent.
He said the Commissioner of Police in Imo state, Danjuma Aboki, described the incident as very unfortunate and stated that the command is saddened by the tragic incident.
Okoye mentioned that an investigation has begun to unravel the miscreants responsible for the dastardly act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
The Umucheke community has been thrown into mourning as residents grapple with the shock and grief of losing their leaders in such a violent manner. Community members have called for increased security measures and prompt action by the authorities to prevent further occurrences.
This incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks in Imo State. Last week, gunmen ambushed and killed four policemen in the Irete community along Onitsha Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital. According to sources, the gunmen attacked the policemen who were on stop-and-search duty in the area.
These attacks are part of a larger pattern of violence against security agents and harmless residents by non-state actors in Imo State and the South-East geopolitical zone. The region has experienced a surge in gunmen attacks in recent years, leading to heightened insecurity and fear among the populace.
The Imo State government has condemned the attacks and assured citizens that efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators to justice. Governor Hope Uzodimma has reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the state. He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to combat criminal activities.
Community leaders and civil society organizations have also called for a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of violence and insecurity in the region. They emphasize the need for dialogue, socio-economic development, and improved governance to tackle the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.
As the investigation into the recent killings continues, the affected communities are left to mourn their losses and hope for swift justice. The tragic events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Imo State and the broader South-East region.
