A police inspector identified as Henry Effiong, attached to the Imo State Police Command, has been reportedly killed while on guard duty at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri.
The incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the commissioner’s residence located at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E, New Owerri.
The inspector was reportedly attacked and killed by unidentified assailants, who allegedly made away with his service rifle, mobile phone and other personal belongings.
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, who reportedly discovered that the police inspector deployed to the residence for guard duty had been killed.
The commissioner subsequently contacted the police at about 8:00 a.m., prompting the Divisional Police Officer of the New Owerri Police Division to mobilise officers to the residence.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that the inspector was 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 reportedly used in the attack.
The police have also raised questions over the whereabouts of a security guard attached to the residence, identified as Genesis, a native of Taraba State.
Investigators reportedly suspect that the security guard may have facilitated access to the premises by allegedly conspiring with the unidentified assailants.
The security guard was said to have fled the residence after the incident. Police further alleged that he packed his belongings, switched off his mobile phone and absconded from the area.
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 service rifle assigned to the deceased inspector was reportedly taken away by the assailants, while his mobile handset was also allegedly stolen.
The corpse of the deceased police officer was evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation and further necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command has commenced investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify and arrest those responsible, locate the fleeing security guard and recover the stolen police firearm.
The Command is expected to provide further updates as investigations continue.
