President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agencies in Imo State, in southeast Nigeria, to look into the killings of Ignatius Asor and three other people there. Asor was the traditional leader of the Obudi Agwa tribe.
Gunmen who are thought to be from the illegal Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) invaded Obudi Agwa in the Oguta Council Area of the state on Monday and killed the monarch, his two chiefs, and an unnamed local, according to ndiigboworldwide. According to the police, the third victim was a local vigilante group member.
In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the president condemned the killings, describing them as “heinous.”
“The president directs security agencies in the state to thoroughly investigate the dastardly act and ensure that the perpetrators face the wrath of the law,” Mr Shehu wrote.
Mr Buhari commiserated with residents of the community and those affected by the attack.
He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured during the attack.
The president said the state government has been making “spirited efforts” at improving the security situation in the state.
He urged residents of the state to “robustly” support the collective efforts of the government and members of the community to ensure their safety in the community.
Police urge for restraint
The police in Imo has called for calm over the killing of the monarch and the three others.
This is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Mike Abatam, on Tuesday in Owerri.
”Preliminary investigation reveals that hoodlums came in four vehicles and two motorcycles in company of a woman,” the police spokesperson said.
”They also killed three other persons including a member of a local vigilance group in the area.
”The gunmen disguised themselves as persons in distress pretending to report an emergency situation to the traditional ruler,” he said.
He assured the community and the general public that an investigation has begun and the command would leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
”The police seek the support of members of the community to provide credible information or report any clandestine activities in their communities,” he said.
