The disappearance of a police service rifle after an inspector was killed inside the residence of an Imo State commissioner has raised fresh security concerns as the state police command begins an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The inspector, identified as Henry Effiong, was reportedly on guard duty at the New Owerri residence of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, when he was attacked by unknown assailants in the early hours of Monday.
A situation report obtained by SaharaReporters said the commissioner was alerted to the incident after his housekeeper, Solomon Uzobu, discovered that the police officer assigned to the residence had been killed and informed him at about 7:00 a.m. The commissioner subsequently contacted the police around 8:00 a.m.
Officers from the New Owerri Police Division were mobilised to the residence, where investigators reportedly found Effiong’s body 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.
Beyond the killing, investigators are particularly concerned about the loss of the inspector’s service rifle and mobile phone. An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were reportedly recovered from the premises and handed over to the Area Commander, Operations, as investigators began reconstructing what happened.
Police investigators have also turned their attention to a security guard identified as Genesis, who was reportedly attached to the residence. According to the situation report, investigators suspect that he may have facilitated access to the premises, although the allegation has not been established in court.
The guard was reportedly missing after the incident, with police alleging that he packed his belongings, switched off his phone and fled the area. His disappearance has consequently become a major line of inquiry as investigators seek to establish whether he had any connection with the attackers.
Effiong’s remains were subsequently taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation, while the police command continued efforts to identify the assailants, determine how they gained access to the residence, recover the stolen firearm and locate the fleeing security guard. The command said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.
