The Commissioner of Police, Imo state command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has deployed tactical units with available operational assets to go all out, in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the murder of the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema LGA. Friday.
The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Division on 10th April, 2026 at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community along Asa Awara Road.
Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch, HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme (Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom), alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims.
The Command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement said, “Upon receipt of the report, the CP immediately mobilised and dispatched tactical teams to the scene at Assa, where operatives recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased. The remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH), Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.
”Consequently, the Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession. Adequate security measures have also been emplaced to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs.
”In addition, the Commissioner of Police and his Management Team have embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to the Ochia community to reassure residents of the Command’s resolve to restore calm and enhance sustained security presence in the affected area.
”While extending condolences to the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims, the CP assured Imolites that the Command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the State, and that in no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
