A lawyer based in Imo State, Chinedu Nwowu, was shot and killed by gunmen on Wednesday evening in Mgbidi, located in the Oru West Local Government Area of the state.

Details of the Attack

According to eyewitness accounts, Nwowu was driving along the Mgbidi highway around 7 p.m. when the assailants intercepted his vehicle. One source described the harrowing scene: “We just saw a car overtake the man’s car dangerously, and right before our eyes, the boys carrying guns jumped out and stopped the man’s car.”

The gunmen forcibly dragged Nwowu from his car and shot him multiple times before getting back into their vehicle and fleeing the scene. The witnesses, fearing for their safety, lay on the ground while watching helplessly. The entire incident lasted less than five minutes, preventing bystanders from seeking help from security forces in time.

Response and Aftermath

After the gunmen left, locals rushed Nwowu to a nearby hospital, but he was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival due to the severity of his injuries.

Police Investigation

Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the killing on Thursday and expressed the police’s grief over the incident. “The police are pained by this incident. But I can assure you that we will apprehend the hoodlums behind this dastardly act. We have already commenced an investigation and will stop at nothing to catch the gang,” Okoye stated.

Efforts to reach Chris Ihentuge, the chairman of the Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.

The murder of Nwowu adds to ongoing concerns about insecurity in the region, and the police have vowed to bring those responsible to justice.