Imo Killings: Traditional Rulers Met Without Our Consent – Police

By Uche Mbah

The Imo State Police Command, Wednesday, accused Traditional Rulers in Imo state of holding a meeting without informing security agencies, resulting in their being attacked by Gunmen.

Gunmen had invaded Njaba Council headquarters at Nnenasa, venue of a Stakeholders meeting of some Traditional Rulers in Imo state, Tuesday, gunning down three Traditional Rulers. Two were later confirmed dead while the third sustained serious injuries.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, CSP Mike Abattam, the Force blamed the attack on the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Eastern Security Network, ESN.

According to them, at about 3 pm, they were tipped off that hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/ESN are attacking the venue “where the Transitional Chairman of Njaba LGA was holding a meeting with some Traditional Rulers.” They immediately dispatched a crack squad.

“At the scene, it was revealed that the Transitional Chairman of Njaba LGA Mr. Emeka Ihenacho invited, and was having a meeting with 15 traditional rulers of Njaba communities without informing the Police or other Security agencies.

“Unfortunately, two of the traditional rulers namely, HRH Eze S.C Osunwa of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Barr A. E Durueburuo of Okwudor Autonomous Community lost their lives in the attack while HRH Eze A. N Onyeka ( JP ) of Nkume Autonomous Community sustained gunshot injuries,” Abattam said.

“The Police Dstation in the community was recently attacked and razed down by hoodlums and during the attack, two Police Officers lost their lives. The Command had to post Policemen to the area on vehicular patrols to help in checkmating crimes and criminalities until when a new Police Station will be rebuilt.

“The command is exploring all avenues possible to see that the fleeing bandits are arrested and prosecuted,” he concluded.