The tactical units of the Imo State Police Command, in synergy with other sister security agencies, including the military, are now combing the forests in Onuimo Local Government Area following the horrific killing of eight cabinet members of the monarch of Umuecheke community late on Saturday evening.

The State Commissioner of Police has vowed to leave no stone unturned until the gunmen, suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its affiliate, are apprehended.

CP Aboki Danjuma gave this assurance during his condolence visit to the Umucheke Community in the early hours of Sunday. He was accompanied by the Sole Administrator of Onuimo LGA, Dr Emeka Obi, a representative of the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Major AI Maikarifi, Commandant NSCDC, Commandant Mathew Ovye, and other security agencies, for an on-the-spot assessment of the heinous crime.

The Imo State Police Chief strongly condemned the tragic killings of the innocent community chiefs, describing it as a barbaric, inhumane, and senseless act of violence. He commiserated with the families of the bereaved and the entire Umucheke community over the unfortunate demise of their loved ones and vowed that their deaths would certainly not be in vain.

The CP further assured that a detachment of the Command’s tactical unit would be stationed permanently in the community to prevent any further threat of attack until peace returns.

Meanwhile, he said: “Preliminary findings revealed that the attack was perpetrated on Saturday at about 17:00 hours by gunmen, suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, numbering about six on three motorcycles. Residents of the Umucheke community allegedly saw the hoodlums but didn’t report them to the police or other security agencies until they perpetrated the dastardly killings and left the community.”

Emphasising the importance of community participation in the fight against violent crimes, the Commissioner of Police urged the residents of Onuimo and other communities in the State to continue to support the Police and other security agencies in the State by remaining security conscious and reporting any suspicious person or activity within their vicinity to the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600.

“Together, we can stop criminally minded elements from perpetrating heinous crimes in the State.”

To this end, the Commissioner of Police reaffirms the Command’s unwavering determination to enhance the overall safety, security, and well-being of ‘Ndi Imo’ for economic growth and prosperity in our dear State.

However, a member of the community who did not want to be named said that the gunmen, who were alleged to be members of IPOB, were on a revenge mission.

He said that the gunmen had accused members of the cabinet of having informed security agents, which he said had led to the arrest of some of their members.

“They were on a revenge mission because I learnt that they had accused some members of the Eze’s cabinet of having informed the security agencies three months ago, which led to the arrest of some of their members, and they also threatened that if their members are not released, they will kill them. As I speak to you, IPOB has conquered Onuimo because they relocated from the Arondizogu axis in Ideato to Onuimo because of the large expanse of forests there.” (Daily Sun)

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