A police inspector on guard duty at the residence of Imo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, has been brutally murdered by suspected assailants who also made away with his service rifle.
The victim, identified as Inspector Henry Effiong, attached to the Imo State Police Command, was reportedly attacked at the commissioner’s residence at No. 1 Sokom Villa Area E, New Owerri, on Monday.
The shocking incident came to light early in the morning after the commissioner’s housekeeper, identified as Solomon Uzobu, reportedly discovered that the policeman had been killed and alerted his principal.
The commissioner was said to have contacted the police at about 8am, prompting the Divisional Police Officer, New Owerri Division, to mobilise operatives to the residence.
On arrival, the officers reportedly found Effiong’s lifeless body inside his room, with his legs tied and his body lying towards the bathing area.
A sharp object, suspected to be a machete, was reportedly used in the attack.
However, the disappearance of a security guard attached to the residence has added a fresh twist to the gruesome killing.
The guard, identified as Genesis, a native of Taraba State, was reportedly on duty at the premises before the incident.
Investigators are said to be examining the possibility that he may have helped the attackers gain access to the compound.
Genesis reportedly fled shortly after the inspector was killed, after allegedly packing his belongings and switching off his mobile phone.
His sudden disappearance has heightened suspicion as police intensify efforts to establish what happened and determine whether he had any connection with the assailants.
An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were reportedly recovered from the scene and handed over to the Area Commander, Operations, for further investigation.
The inspector’s service rifle and mobile phone were also reportedly stolen during the attack.
His remains were subsequently evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, where they were deposited for preservation and further necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command has launched a probe into the killing, with operatives working to identify the attackers, apprehend those responsible, locate the fleeing security guard and recover the stolen firearm.
The command said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
