President Muhammadu Buhari has directed security agencies in Imo state (south-eastern Nigeria) to investigate the killing of the traditional ruler of Agwa, Ignatius Asor Obudi, and three others in the state.
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the gunmen suspected them to be illegal members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) invaded Obudi Agwa in Oguta Council area of the state on Monday and killed the monarch, two of his chiefs and a yet to be identified resident. Police say the third person killed was a member of the neighborhood vigilante group.
The dead monarch allowed the terror group into his palace after disguising himself as an emergency person who had come to inform the royal father of an emergency situation.
In a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, on Tuesday, the president condemned the killings, describing them as “appalling”.
“The President directs the state security agencies to thoroughly investigate the dastardly act and ensure that the perpetrators face the wrath of the law,” Mr. Shehu wrote.
Mr. Buhari commiserated with the residents of the community and those affected by the attack.
He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The President said that the state government is making “vigorous efforts” to improve the security situation in the state.
He urged the residents of the state to “strongly” support the collective efforts of the government and community members to ensure security in the community.
The police ask for calm
The the police They have called for calm in Imo for the killing of the monarch and three others.
This was received by the spokesman of the command, Mike Abatam, in a statement in Owerri on Tuesday.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the miscreants broke into four vehicles and two motorbikes in the company of a woman,” a police spokesman said.
“Three other people were also killed including a member of the local vigilante group in the area.
“The gunmen disguised themselves as people who were reporting an emergency situation,” he said.
He assured the community and citizens that an investigation has commenced and the command will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are arrested and face the full wrath of the law.
“Police seek the assistance of community members to provide credible information or report any clandestine activity in their communities,” he said.
Increasing insecurity
Like other states in southeastern Nigeria, security has deteriorated in Imo state with frequent attacks by armed men.
Attacks often target security agencies, government officials, and facilities.
The Nigerian government has accused the outlawed IPOB of being responsible for deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied having participated in the attacks.
IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra that wants to carve out parts of South-East and South-South Nigeria.
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