A police inspector attached to the Imo State Police Command, identified as Henry Effiong, has been killed by unidentified assailants while on guard duty at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri.
Effiong was reportedly attacked at the commissioner’s residence at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E, New Owerri, on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The assailants allegedly made away with his service rifle, mobile phone and other personal belongings after killing him.
According to a police situation report, the commissioner was alerted to the incident at about 7:00 a.m. by his housekeeper, identified as Solomon Uzobu. The commissioner subsequently contacted the police at about 8:00 a.m.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the New Owerri Police Division mobilised officers to the residence, where preliminary investigations were conducted.
The inspector was reportedly found dead inside his room, with his legs tied and his body positioned towards the bathing area.
A sharp object suspected to be a machete was allegedly used in the attack.
The police report also identified a security guard attached to the residence, simply named as Genesis, as a person of interest in the investigation.
Genesis, said to be a native of Taraba State, was allegedly suspected of conspiring with the unidentified assailants and facilitating their access to the premises.
The security guard reportedly fled the residence after the incident, having allegedly packed his belongings and switched off his mobile phone.
His disappearance has heightened suspicion among investigators, who are working to establish whether he had any involvement in the killing.
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 police service rifle assigned to the deceased inspector and his mobile handset were also reportedly missing from the scene.
Effiong’s remains were evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital, where they were deposited for preservation and further necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command has commenced investigation into the incident and is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend the assailants, locate the fleeing security guard and recover the stolen police firearm.
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