Gunmen kill seven community leaders during village meeting in Imo

At least seven community leaders including the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, Hyginus Ohazurike, were on Saturday evening, shot dead by gunmen during a village meeting.
According to eyewitnesses, six village heads from the autonomous community were also killed by the gunmen who stormed the meeting venue and shot at the gathering, while also injuring several others.
An indigene of the community who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, said the the gunmen struck while the victims were having a meeting in the community.
“Some gunmen have just shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village heads.
“They arrived in a hilux vehicle and upon their arrival, the gunmen opened fire, leading to the instant killing of President General of the community and six other village leaders.
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“The PG and the village heads were having a meeting at the PG’s shop, located at the community’s market when the attackers arrived.
“On arrival, the gunmen opened fire, killed all the community leaders, and set the place ablaze. All the community chiefs died in the attack.”
Another resident also said:
“Nobody understands the reason for the assault. No one knows the purpose of the meeting.
“The community is now deserted as the villagers have fled their homes to safety in the bushes and neighbouring villages,” he said.
The Imo State Police Command, through the Public Relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said he will make a statement after preliminary investigations.
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