By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Imo State Police Command on Saturday, April 11, 2026, said it has started investigations to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the attack, and subsequent murder of the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji Egbema Local Council of the State, HRH Eze Barr. Paulinus Ekwueme.
This is as the State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, ordered operatives to hunt down the perpetrators at all cost.
The Source reports that the Monarch was on Friday, April 10, attacked and killed along Asa – Awara Road by some yet-to-be identified hoodlums.
The attack, also, led to the unfortunate death of five others, whose identities, according to the police, are yet to to be established.
A statement by the Imo Police Command spokesperson , Henry Okoye, DSP, informed that the Tactical Units Operatives have been deployed by CP Bosso with a marching order to go all out, in collaboration with other security agencies and hunt down the perpetrators.
” The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division on 10th April, 2026, at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa-Awara Road .
“Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the Monarch ,HRH Eze (Barrister) Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia 1 of Ochia Kingdom) alongside five other yet-to-be identified victims.
” Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilised and dispatched Tactical Teams to the scene at Assa where Operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased.
“The remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital FUTH ,Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.
“Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession” Okoye stated .
The statement, further indicated that the Commissioner of Police and his management team have paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene.
According to Okoye, the CP, during the visit reassured the people of the readiness and commitment of the Command to restore normalcy ,and ensure adequate protection of lives and properties .
While extending condolences to the family of the deceased Monarch and other victims of the dastardly incident, the CP reaffirmed the Command’s unflinching determination to sustain peace and stability in Imo state, with a firm assurance that the perpetrators of heinous crime will soon be tracked down.
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