Two traditional rulers have been reportedly killed during an attack by a group of unidentified gunmen in Nnenasa community Headquarters of Njaba local government area of Imo State.
It was gathered that the victims had come for a meeting at the local government headquarters in the community, along with eighteen other monarchs.
However, tragedy struck when the assailants opened fire on the traditional rulers.
Unconfirmed reports initially put the number of casualties at five, but the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abatam, confirmed that only two traditional rulers had died while three others were in a coma.
The deceased monarchs include: The Obi II of Okwudor, Eze Anayo Durueburoe and the ruler of Ihebineoweri, Okwudor, Eze Samson Osunwa.
The rest who were injured by bullets were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, condemned the attack while commiserating with the affected families.
He vowed to fish out the perpetrators while urging residents of the state to remain calm as the authorities are on top of the situation.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes being perpetuated across the South-East.
On Sunday, gunmen attacked a police divisional headquarters in Ebonyi State, killing a police officer and burning two patrol vehicles.
The recent rise in violent crimes in the region has been attributed to a myriad of reasons including secessionist angst.
