The Police Command has confirmed the killing of two traditional rulers at Nnenasa in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Mike Abattam, told the News Agency of Nigeria in a phone interview in Owerri that the incident occurred on Tuesday.
Abattam, however, said investigations were ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
NAN gathered that the gunmen had on Tuesday stormed a meeting venue of some traditional rulers and stakeholders at Nnenasa where they opened fire, killing the two traditional rulers instantly.
According to a source, who pleaded anonymity, the sudden attack left those who attended the meeting scampering for safety.
“The gunmen shot sporadically, hitting the traditional rulers in the process and left the scene almost immediately,” the source said.
It noted that many people at the scene sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack .
The source gave the names of the affected victims as Eze E. Duruebere of Okwudor autonomous community and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebinowerre autonomous community, both in Njaba.
Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma said the killing is a new form of banditry.
He vowed to ensure that those responsible are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.Uzodinma also vowed to ensure that such never happened again.
Addressing a press conference last night, the governor said: “The situation is very pathetic and condemnable. This is a new dimension to the banditry in the state, where they now attack traditional rulers gathered in a hall for their normal meeting, with the council chairman presiding.
“All I know is that we will take it very seriously, and we must go out to every length to ensure that those behind that crime are brought to book.
“We will never allow such thing to happen again in the state. We will really go after them.
“It’s a very serious offence. It is unacceptable, condemnable, and we’ll never allow those who did it to go scot-free.”