In a Friday attack on the Imo state capital of Owerri, Mbaitoli, and other locations, some gunmen killed Prince Iheme, the older brother of well-known Nollywood actor Osita Iheme otherwise known as “Pawpaw”.
The attackers also hurt Martin Eke, the state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals.
People were forced to flee for safety as the shooters, who were riding in Tundra operating cars, shot erratically.
The roads were desolate, businesses unexpectedly stopped operating, and drivers abandoned their cars and fled.
Orji, a neighbourhood close to Owerri, was also invaded by armed individuals wearing black clothing who attacked locals, bystanders, and security personnel.
An eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said that “this attack is politically motivated. We just finished at one campaign rally ground and were heading to Ubommiri. Our convoy was attacked at Amawuihe before Ubommiri.”
“Prince Iheme (Osita Iheme’s brother) was riding in the same vehicle with the Commissioner for Solid Minerals. Prince Iheme who is Pawpaw’s elder brother was killed on the spot.
“The Commissioner, who was sworn in two weeks ago, was cut badly. He has just been rushed to a hospital. They were driving in a Ford SUV. I pray he makes it.”
He added that “they just killed a policeman now. They opened fire on them and were shouting, ‘There is a sit-at-home. We have asked you to go home. Stay indoors.’”
