Gunmen have invaded the Obudi Agwa community in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State and killed five persons including the traditional ruler of the community, Ignitus Asor.
Several community sources told newsmen that the armed youths stormed the king’s palace where a community matter was being discussed and opened fire indiscriminately.
While the traditional ruler, two palace chiefs, and two other members of the community died on the spot, others, including the traditional prime minister, Chief Stephen Ajoku, were injured.
Apart from invading the community, the criminals also stormed the neighboring Mgbala community and shot a pregnant woman and a local security officer.
A source said, “Our community was attacked Monday morning. The gunmen invaded the king’s palace where issues were being discussed. They opened fire and as I speak with you, the traditional ruler, Eze Asor, two chiefs, and two others have been confirmed dead.
“The traditional prime minister of the community, Chief Ajoku, and a retired soldier was also shot but he is alive.
“Mgbala community was also attacked and a pregnant woman and vigilante officer were shot. They are alive as we speak. Our community bleeds. This is very unfortunate.
When contacted, the Coordinator of Agwa Development Centre, Obinna Jumbo, told our correspondent that the incident had been reported to the police by the families of the victims.
He also disclosed that the corpses of the victims had been evacuated from the scene to the morgue.
The Sole Administrator of Oguta LGA, Ijioma Ofili, told newsmen in a telephone conversation that security agents had reported the incident to him.
He disclosed that his office and security agents were working to ensure that justice was served.
The LGA boss said that normalcy had been restored in the communities by the security agents.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Michael Abattam, disclosed that a statement on the incident by the command would soon be ready.
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