Unknown gunmen on Saturday night, August 3, 2024, gunned down seven community leaders at Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo state.
According to a report by News Express, upon their arrival, the gunmen opened fire, leading to the instant killing of President General of the community and six other village leaders.
A community member who does not want his name mentioned, said the gunmen struck while the victims were in a weekly meeting.
“Gunmen have just shot dead the President General of Umucheke Okwe and six village heads,” the source said.
The attack took place at the President General’s shop in the community market, where the meeting was being held, the source revealed.
“Upon their arrival, the gunmen unleashed gunfire, killing all the community leaders before setting the place ablaze. All the community chiefs perished in the assault,” the source said.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, as the source noted, “Nobody understands the reason for the assault. No one knows the purpose of the meeting.”
The community now stands deserted, with villagers fleeing their homes in terror.
At the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Command, through the Public Relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, was yet to respond to the incident when contacted as his phone was permanently switched off.
