By Isaac Mission
A police inspector attached to the Imo State Police Command has been killed while performing guard duties at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri.
The deceased officer was identified as Henry Effiong.
According to a police situation report cited in the original report, the incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the commissioner’s residence in the Sokom Villa area of New Owerri.
The report indicated that the commissioner was alerted to the incident after his housekeeper, identified as Solomon Uzobu, discovered that the police officer assigned to the residence had been killed.
Uzobu reportedly informed the commissioner at about 7:00 a.m., while the commissioner contacted the police around 8:00 a.m.
Following the alert, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the New Owerri Police Division mobilised officers to the residence to commence preliminary investigations.
Officer Found Dead in His Room
Investigators reportedly found Effiong’s body inside his room, with his legs tied and his body positioned towards the bathing area.
A sharp implement, suspected to be a machete, was reportedly recovered or identified in connection with the attack.
The officer’s service rifle was allegedly taken by the attackers, while his mobile phone and other personal belongings were also reported missing.
An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were reportedly recovered from the scene and handed over to the Area Commander, Operations, for further investigation.
Security Guard Declared Wanted
Attention has also reportedly shifted to a security guard identified as Genesis, who was attached to the commissioner’s residence.
According to the police report, investigators are examining the possibility that the guard may have assisted the attackers in gaining access to the premises.
The guard reportedly left the residence after the incident, taking his belongings with him and switching off his mobile phone.
Police said he allegedly disappeared from the area around the same period as the suspected assailants.
His disappearance has consequently become a major focus of the investigation, although authorities have yet to establish his culpability publicly.
Investigation Underway
The police command has commenced efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
Investigators are also working to locate the missing security guard, recover the stolen service firearm and apprehend the suspected attackers.
Effiong’s remains were reportedly taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation and other necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command is expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.
