A tragic incident has plunged residents of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area into mourning after unidentified gunmen attacked and killed six people, including the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme.
The victims include the monarch, two of his brothers, his driver, and his security aides. Reports indicate that the attackers ambushed them on Friday along Asa Awara Road, opening fire before setting the victims and the monarch’s official vehicle ablaze.
According to local sources, Eze Ekwueme had recently returned to the community due to health challenges and was on a visit aimed at reconnecting with his people. Earlier that day, he had reportedly attended a meeting with women in the area before heading out, when the deadly ambush occurred.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online suggest the attackers carried out the assault with extreme brutality before fleeing the scene.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, condemned the attack, describing it as heinous and assuring that security operatives have been deployed to track down those responsible.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, the command confirmed it received a distress call at about 4:30 p.m. on April 10, 2026. Tactical units were immediately dispatched to the scene in Assa community, where they recovered the charred remains of the victims.
