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 night, shot dead by gunmen during a village meeting.

According to eyewitnesses, six village chiefs from the autonomous community were also killed by gunmen who stormed the meeting place and opened fire on the crowd, while also injuring several others.

A native of the community who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity said the gunmen attacked while the victims were holding a meeting in the community.

“Gunmen have just shot dead the President General of the Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village chiefs.

“They came using a Hilux car and when they arrived at the location, the perpetrators opened fire which resulted in the deaths of the General Chairperson and six other community leaders.

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“PG and the village head were holding a meeting at PG’s shop, located in the community market when the attackers arrived.

“Upon arrival, the gunmen opened fire, killed all the community leaders, and set the place on fire. All the community leaders were killed in the attack.”

Another resident also said:

“Nobody understands the reason for the attack. Nobody knows the purpose of the meeting.

“The community is now deserted as villagers have left their homes to seek safety in the bushes and neighbouring villages,” he said.

The Imo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said he would make a statement after initial investigation.

Gunmen kill seven community leaders during village meeting in Imo first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.