Seven Community Leaders Gunned Down During Village Meeting in Imo State

On Saturday evening, gunmen attacked a village meeting in Umucheke Okwe autonomous community, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, killing seven community leaders, including Hyginus Ohazurike, the President-General of the community.

Eyewitnesses reported that six village leaders were also slain when the assailants stormed the meeting venue and opened fire on those gathered. Several others were injured in the attack.

An anonymous local source described the scene, saying, “Some gunmen have just shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village heads. They arrived in a Hilux vehicle, and upon their arrival, the gunmen opened fire, leading to the instant killing of the President-General and six other village leaders.

“The PG and the village heads were having a meeting at the PG’s shop, located at the community’s market when the attackers arrived. The gunmen killed all the community leaders and set the place ablaze.”

Another resident added, “Nobody understands the reason for the assault. No one knows the purpose of the meeting. The community is now deserted as the villagers have fled to safety in the bushes and neighboring villages.”

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, who stated that a detailed statement would be issued following preliminary investigations.