Gunmen kill community leader, six village heads in Imo

Gunmen on Saturday attacked Umucheke Okwe Autonomous Community in Onuimo Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State, killing seven persons, including six village heads.

The assailants, according to a report by PUNCH Newspaper, had arrived at the village and targetted the seven while they were meeting at the shop of the President General of the community, Hyginus Ohazurike, located in the community’s market.

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They reportedly opened fire, killing all the community leaders present, and set the place ablaze before fleeing.

Ohazurike also died in the incident.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the reason for the meeting was not disclosed.

In the aftermath of the attack, residents of the village have fled their homes in fear.

The sole administrator of Onuimo Local Government Area, Emeka Obi, confirmed the killings and urged the public to remain calm as he addressed his constituents.