No fewer than two traditional rulers have been killed during an attack by gunmen at Nnenasa community Headquarters of Njaba local government area of Imo State.
According to sources, the traditional rulers from the area numbering over 20 were in a meeting at the local government headquarters in the community when gunmen invaded the the place and interrupted the meeting with sporadic gunshots.
Sources earlier informed Channels Television that five of the traditional rulers had been killed but when contacted, the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abatam, confirmed that only two traditional rulers had died while three others were in a coma.
The murdered traditional rulers include the Obi II of Okwudor, Eze Anayo Durueburoe and the ruler of Ihebineoweri, Okwudor, Eze Samson Osunwa.
Those who sustained heavy gunshots injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, speaking to Channels Television, condemned the killings and commiserated with the affected families.
He promised to bring the perpetrators to book and urged Imo indigenes to remain calm as the state government is on top of the situation.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes being perpetuated across the South-East.
On Sunday, gunmen attacked a police divisional headquarters in Ebonyi State, killing a police officer and burning two patrol vehicles.
The recent rise in violent crimes in the region has been attributed to a myriad of reasons including secessionist angst.
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