Gunmen attack commissioner’s home, kill police inspector

Some gunmen have attacked a commissioner’s house in Imo State, in the southeast of Nigeria, and killed a police inspector who was on guard there.

This incident happened on Monday morning in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

The police inspector, Henry Effiong, was protecting the home of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rex Anunobi, when the attackers struck and killed him.

Sources say the gunmen first took the inspector's rifle and phones before they shot him.

The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed this news in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Okoye, who is a deputy superintendent of police, did not mention the name of the inspector who was killed.

He said that after hearing about the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, ordered an investigation into the matter.

He explained that the investigation aims to find out what happened and catch the attackers.

"Following the directive, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID), along with the DPO of the New Owerri Division, went to the scene. They conducted necessary examinations and secured relevant evidence," he said.

"The body of the deceased inspector was taken to the mortuary," he added.

Mr Okoye mentioned that Mr Bosso has sent his condolences to the family of the slain inspector and promised them that the police would find all those involved.

"This incident shows the risks and sacrifices police officers take in their jobs," he said.

Mr Okoye also announced that the police have arrested two suspects believed to be connected to the inspector's killing.

"The suspects, Olivia Patrick, a 31-year-old man, and ThankGod Mourice, a 25-year-old man, were caught at the scene right after the incident was reported," he said.

The spokesperson said the case has been handed over to the SCID for more investigation, while they continue to try to catch other suspects who have fled.

He assured Imo State residents that the police are handling the situation and that they have put proper security measures in place to protect lives and property in the state.

"We urge the public to stay alert and provide any useful information that can help with the investigation," he appealed.