Gunmen have reportedly killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, along with five members of his entourage.
According to a community source, the attack occurred on Friday evening along the Asaa/Awara Road, where the assailants ambushed the victims.
The source disclosed that after the attack, the gunmen set the bodies ablaze.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the command has launched a manhunt to track down those responsible.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has already carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected area.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso has deployed tactical units with available operational assets to go all out, in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly attack on the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asaa Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
“The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division on 10th April, 2026 at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asaa Awara Road.
Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom), alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.
“Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilized and dispatched tactical teams to the scene at Assa, where operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased. The remains 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.
”In addition, 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,” Okoye stated.