On a fateful Saturday evening in Imo State, gunmen mercilessly killed Hyginus Ohazurike, the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area. Alongside him, six village heads fell victim to the attackers’ violence.
An anonymous source, a local resident, recounted the harrowing incident to PUNCH Online. The attackers, arriving in a vehicle, ambushed the community leaders during a meeting at the President-General’s shop in the community’s market.
“The perpetrators opened fire, resulting in the tragic deaths of all the community chiefs present, followed by setting the area ablaze,” the source disclosed with visible distress.
The source further mentioned the confusion surrounding the motive behind the brutal attack. “The meeting’s purpose was unknown. While convening at the PG’s shop, the gunmen stormed in, senselessly killing the village chiefs before fleeing the scene,” the source added.
Subsequent to the horrific event, residents of the village fled their homes in fear. Emeka Obi, the local government’s administrator, confirmed the incidents, urging the populace to stay composed amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, had not provided any responses to inquiries at the time of reporting.
This tragic event comes after a previous attack where gunmen targeted a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress and seven others in the same community. The violence has escalated, with multiple incidents occurring throughout the past week, including the killing of policemen and civilians in various locations within the state.