Community leaders warn against incitement over Imo monarch’s killing

Community leaders in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have cautioned against the spread of inciting narratives and misinformation following the killing of the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community, Eze Paulinus Ekwueme.

They urged residents to remain calm as efforts intensify to apprehend those behind the attack.

PUNCH Metro recalls that the monarch and five others were ambushed along the Assa-Awarra Road in April. The assailants killed the victims and set their bodies ablaze.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the Ohaji Elders Council—comprising the Council of Traditional Rulers, the leadership of the Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum, and members of the Ohaji community in the United States—described as “calculated” a campaign of misinformation allegedly aimed at discrediting traditional institutions and community leaders.

The statement was signed by the Odozi Obodo II of Assa Kingdom and Chairman of the Ohaji/Egbema Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Assor, alongside 15 other members.

“The Council noted with dismay the misleading, unwarranted and unfounded rumours circulating on social media, designed to misinform, malign and undermine Ohaji traditional rulers and members of the Ogbako Ohaji,” the communiqué read.

“While we would ordinarily ignore such malicious claims, it has become necessary to set the record straight regarding the senseless killing of a revered monarch.”

The council condemned the attack and said measures had been put in place to investigate both the immediate and underlying circumstances surrounding the incident, assuring that its findings would be made public in due course.

It also dismissed allegations of financial misconduct involving community development funds as baseless and divisive.

The leaders further cautioned bloggers and content creators against publishing sensational or inflammatory claims capable of inciting unrest, while commending residents of Ochia for maintaining peace despite provocation.

They pledged full cooperation with security agencies, which have launched an investigation into the killings.

Following the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso, deployed tactical teams to the area in collaboration with other security agencies.

Police had earlier confirmed the recovery of the victims’ burnt bodies, which were deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for autopsy, and vowed to apprehend those responsible.