Activities around the Njaba local council headquarters at Nnenasa area of Imo State have been brought a halt and residents thrown in confusion after some yet-to-be identified gunmen opened fire and killed three traditional rulers during a meeting a council meeting.
Aside from the three whose lives were cut short, other traditional rulers present at the event were said have sustained varying degrees of injuries while scampering to safety.
The traditional rulers who lost their lives were identifed as the Obi 1 of Okwudor autonomous community, Eze Anayochukwu Durueburuo and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebineowerre autonomous community.
Confirming the development, the Imo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mike Abattam, said that the command has commenced investigation into the incident, adding that two of the traditional rulers had been confirmed dead.
While assuring the residents of their safety, Abattam noted that no efforts would be spared in protecting people of the state, adding that efforts are being intensified to trace the assailants, arrest and bring them justice.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes being perpetuated across the South-East. It would be recalled that residents of Ebonyi State also started raising concerns over level of insecurity across the state after gunmen invaded a Nigerian Police divisional headquarters, killed a law enforcement officer, and set over two patrol vehicles ablaze.
The fears of the residents, after the attack on the Police division in Ohauku Community, were that the state could go the way of Anambra state where it has become unsafe for residents to move and do business without any fear and harassment.
The residents’ fear bordered around if the attackers were not quickly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the country’s law, the gunmen could embark on another operation and possibly make the state unsafe for all.
