A police inspector has been reportedly killed while on guard duty at the residence of the Imo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri.
The officer, identified as Henry Effiong, was reportedly attacked at the commissioner’s residence on Monday, September 14, 2026.
His service rifle and mobile phone were said to have been taken after the killing.
The incident came to light in the morning when the commissioner’s housekeeper, Solomon Uzobu, discovered the officer’s dead body and alerted Anunobi about at about 7:00am.
The commissioner subsequently contacted the police one hour after, prompting the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the New Owerri Police Division to deploy officers to the residence.
Effiong was reportedly found dead in his room with his legs tied and his body facing the bathing area.
Investigators are said to have found indications that a sharp object, suspected to be a machete, may have been used during the attack.
Attention has also turned to a security guard identified as Genesis, who was attached to the residence and is said to be from Taraba State.
The guard was reportedly nowhere to be found after the killing. He was also said to have packed his belongings and switched off his mobile phone.
Investigators suspect that he may have assisted those responsible for the attack in gaining access to the premises. However, the investigation remains ongoing and the police have not established his involvement in the killing.
An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were reportedly recovered at the scene and handed over to the Area Commander, Operations, as part of the investigation.
The rifle issued to the slain inspector could not be found and is believed to have been taken alongside his mobile phone.
Effiong’s body was later evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation and other necessary procedures.
The Imo State Police Command has opened an investigation into the killing, with efforts focused on identifying and apprehending those responsible.
Police are also working to locate the ‘fleeing’ security guard and recover the inspector’s service rifle.
The command said further information would be made available as the investigation continues.
- Media Report