Anxiety as Traditional Rulers Shot Dead during Meeting in Imo

• Gunmen have struck again in Imo state, shooting at traditional rulers during their meeting at Njaba local government area
• While some reports say five of the monarchs were feared killed, others put the number of the dead at three
• The police in the state were said to have confirmed the incident and also put the number of the dead at three

Njaba LGA, Imo states – A report by Channels TV indicates gunmen have opened fire on traditional rulers during a meeting at Njaba local government area in Imo state.

Details of the attack remain sketchy but at least five traditional rulers are feared to have died during the attack with several others wounded, the news media stated.

Also reporting the development, The Nation stated that three traditional rulers at the meeting are feared to have been shot dead by the gunmen on Tuesday afternoon, October 19.

The newspaper also stated that the royal fathers were having their meeting in the Njaba local government area when the shooting occurred.

The chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in the state, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, was quoted to have said:

“I have heard that some people were shot in the meeting in Njaba but I am trying to get the details.”

Police allegedly react

Leadership in its report of the incident said the spokesman of the Imo state police command, Mike Abatam, confirmed the attack, adding that three traditional rulers died.

The newspaper cited anonymous sources as also confirming that the traditional rulers from the area numbering about 20 were in a meeting when the gunmen invaded the venue, interrupted the meeting with sporadic gunshots and killed at least five traditional rulers on the spot.

It was gathered that those who sustained gunshot injuries have been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Governor Uzodimma laments over killings in Imo state

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma, pained by the recent killing of security operatives and extensive destruction of property at Izombe in Oguta local government area of Imo state, Governor vowed that the perpetrators of the mayhem would be unmasked and brought to justice.

He also promised that government will set up a Panel of Inquiry that will look into the immediate and remote causes of the crises and make recommendations that will help stop further occurrences.

Addressing newsmen in the company of military and police authorities, the governor expressed dismay over the ugly incident, particularly a situation where bandits confronted the military patrol, burnt their vehicle, abducted and killed two soldiers, and made away with their rifles.

Source: Legit