Seven (7) persons were on Saturday night, killed at Umucheke Okwe Autonomous Community, in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State by unknown gunmen.
The gunmen, it was understood, opened fire, leading to the killing of the President-General of the Community, including six village leaders.
A Community member, who did not want his name mentioned, said the gunmen struck while the victims were in a weekly meeting.
Said the source: “Gunmen have just shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe and six village heads”.
The attack took place at the President-General’s shop in the Community market, where the meeting was being held.
Revealed the source further: “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 motive behind the attack has remained unclear, source noted.
Said he: “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.
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 as at press time.
