A devastating attack occurred in Umucheke Okwe autonomous community, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo state, on Saturday evening.
Gunmen shot dead the President General of the community and six village heads.
An indigene of the community, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the gunmen struck while the victims were in a meeting.
“Some gunmen have just shot dead the President General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village heads,” the source said.
The victims were killed at the President General’s shop, located in the community’s market, where they were holding a meeting.
The source added, “On arrival, the gunmen opened fire, killed all the community leaders, and set the place ablaze. All the community chiefs died in the attack.”
The motive behind the attack remains unknown, as the source stated, “Nobody knew the reason for the attack. Nobody knew the purpose of the meeting.”
The community is currently deserted, as villagers have fled their homes in fear.
As at the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement about the incident.
This attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Imo state.
On Monday, gunmen killed four policemen and a Point of Sale Operator in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area.