RismadarVoice Reporters, April 11, 2026
Gunmen on Friday night killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Awarra Ohaji in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme, in a deadly ambush that also claimed the lives of security operatives accompanying him.
The attack reportedly occurred at the boundary between Assa and Ochia communities as the monarch was returning to his domain after arriving in the country earlier in the week from an overseas trip.
Sources familiar with the incident said the assailants carried out a coordinated ambush on the royal convoy, opening fire on the monarch and his security detail. Although the exact number of casualties remains unclear, it was gathered that several operatives were killed in the attack.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as a premeditated assault, suggesting that the attackers may have had prior knowledge of the monarch’s movement.
According to the source, the late monarch had been away from the community following a disagreement with some individuals and was on his way back when he was attacked.
The source further disclosed that the incident has thrown the entire Ohaji/Egbema area into mourning, with residents gripped by fear over the brazen nature of the attack.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams to the area to restore calm and commence investigations.
“Yes, I am aware of the killing of the traditional ruler, but I do not have full details at the moment, including the number of casualties,” Okoye said.
He added that security operatives have been mobilized to track down those responsible for the attack.
“The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams to investigate and identify the perpetrators of this act. We are also intensifying efforts to apprehend those involved and ensure they face justice,” he stated.
Security presence has since been heightened in the area as authorities work to stabilise the situation and reassure residents.
