Gunmen have attacked and killed the traditional ruler of Ochia, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday along Asa Awara Road.
The spokesperson of the state police command, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the attack in a statement released to journalists in Owerri, said the hoodlums not only killed the monarch but also burnt his corpse alongside five other victims yet to be identified.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso, has launched a manhunt for those behind the dastardly attack, in synergy with other sister security agencies in the state.
Okoye’s statement read: “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 I of Ochia Kingdom), alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.
“Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilized 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. Adequate security measures have also been emplaced to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs.
“In addition, the Commissioner of Police and his Management Team have embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community to reassure residents of the Command’s resolve to restore calm and enhance sustained security presence in the affected area,” Okoye stated.
While extending condolences to the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims, the CP assured residents of the state that the command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security, adding that the perpetrators will, in no distant time, be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
