Traditional Ruler Assassinated in Imo State: Security Concerns Rise

Eze Achulor, the traditional ruler of Otulu autonomous community in Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA, Imo state, fell victim to unidentified gunmen who abducted and subsequently killed him.

The grim incident unfolded on Saturday morning when the assailants stormed Eze Achulor’s palace in Otulu, kidnapping him without making any ransom demands. Tragically, his lifeless body was discovered on Saturday night along Mbutu road in Aboh-Mbaise LGA, a neighboring community.

A local source lamented, “Eze Joe Achulor has been murdered by unidentified gunmen after he was whisked away yesterday morning. All efforts to locate their whereabouts proved abortive. Unfortunately, on Saturday night, we discovered his dead body along Mbutu Community road. This is tragic! It is terrifying. I do not know why insecurity is left to thrive in Imo, and many lives have been destroyed. The government needs to do something drastic to curtail this.”

Henry Okoye, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, revealing that the commissioner of police has delegated a high-powered team to investigate the assassination and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the public to come forward with any useful information that could aid in the swift arrest of the suspects.

This disturbing event follows closely on the heels of another tragedy in the state. Just days before, gunmen targeted Chiedoziem Anyanwu, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ife/Akpodim/Chokoneze ward in Ezinihitte Mbaise. Anyanwu lost his life in a similar fashion, being shot by assailants riding a motorcycle. The succession of such incidents raises concerns about the prevailing security situation in Imo state, prompting calls for urgent and effective measures to address the escalating insecurity.