A police inspector, Henry Effiong, has been killed by suspected assailants at the residence of Imo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri.
The assailants also reportedly stole the inspector’s service rifle and mobile phone after killing him while he was on guard duty at the commissioner’s residence.
It was learnt that the incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E, New Owerri.
The report said the commissioner was alerted to the incident at about 7:00 a.m. by his housekeeper, Solomon Uzobu, who discovered that the police officer deployed to the residence had been killed.
Anunobi was said to have contacted the police at about 8:00 a.m., following which the Divisional Police Officer in charge of New Owerri Police Division mobilised officers to the residence.
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.
Police investigators have, however, raised suspicion over the whereabouts of a security guard identified as Genesis, a Taraba State indigene, who was attached to the residence.
According to the situation report, investigators suspect that the security guard may have facilitated the entry of the assailants into the premises.
The guard reportedly fled the residence after the incident, packed his belongings and switched off his mobile phone.
Police said his disappearance had heightened suspicion over his possible involvement in the killing, although the investigation is ongoing and no conclusion has been reached on his culpability.
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 slain inspector was also allegedly taken by the attackers.
His body was subsequently evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation and further necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing, with efforts ongoing to identify and arrest the perpetrators, locate the fleeing security guard and recover the stolen firearm.
The Command said further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
