By Stevenie Michaels
A devastating attack occurred in Umucheke Okwe Autonomous Community, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, on Saturday evening. Armed assailants killed Hyginus Ohazuruike, the President General of the community, and six village heads.
According to an anonymous local resident, the gunmen arrived in a vehicle and opened fire on the victims while they were holding a meeting at the President General's shop in the community market. The source recounted, "The gunmen arrived and opened fire, killing the President General and six village heads. They then set the location ablaze. All the community leaders present were killed in the attack."
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. The source added, "No one knew the agenda of the meeting. The gunmen arrived, opened fire, killed the village chiefs, and set the place on fire before fleeing."
Following the attack, the village has been deserted as residents fled their homes in fear. Emeka Obi, the Sole Administrator of the LGA, confirmed the killings and urged residents to remain calm while condemning the violence.
SP Henry Okoye, spokesman of the Imo police Command, expressed sadness over the incident and assured that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
This incident adds to a series of violent attacks in the region. Previously, gunmen killed a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress and seven others in the same community.
