The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has deployed tactical units with available operational assets to go all out, in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down hoodlums suspected to be responsible for the death of the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, who was burnt to death by unknown assailants.
In a press statement, the Command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the incident took place along Asa Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that the deployment of security personnel to the area followed a distress report received from Ohaji Police Division on April 10, 2026, indicating that armed assailants attacked the monarch and killed him alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.
Okoye said upon receiving the report, the CP immediately mobilized and dispatched tactical teams to the scene at Asa, where operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased persons, which 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,” the press release stated.
Following the development, 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.
Extending condolences to the family of the late monarch and other deceased victims, the CP assured Imo residents that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the state, assuring that in no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
He further urged members of the public with credible information that will aid the ongoing investigation to report to the nearest Police Station or contact the Command through the following emergency lines: 0803 477 3600, 08148024755.
The Command’s spokesperson, promised that further developments will be communicated in due course.