- Killing linked to investigation over missing police rifle, sparks fresh fears over security as residents question safety even around top government officials
By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
OWERRI, IMO STATE — Tension and anxiety have spread across New Owerri following the killing of a police inspector attached to the residence of Imo State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi.
The deceased officer, identified as Henry Effiong, was reportedly killed on Monday, September 14, 2026, while on guard duty at the commissioner’s residence in Area E, New Owerri. His service rifle and mobile phone were reportedly taken after the attack.
According to reports citing a police situation report, the commissioner was alerted to the incident at about 7:00 a.m. after his housekeeper discovered that the inspector had been killed. The police were subsequently contacted, prompting personnel from the New Owerri Police Division to mobilise to the residence.
Effiong was reportedly found dead inside his room, with his legs tied and injuries believed to have been inflicted with a sharp object. An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were also reportedly recovered from the scene and handed over to police investigators.
The circumstances surrounding the killing have intensified concerns among residents, particularly because the victim was a serving police officer deployed to protect the residence of a senior government official.
Attention has also shifted to a security guard identified as Genesis, who was attached to the residence and reportedly disappeared after the incident. Reports citing the police investigation said he allegedly left with his belongings and switched off his mobile phone.
Investigators are examining whether the guard had any connection with the attack or whether he could provide information about how the assailants gained access to the premises. However, his alleged involvement has not been established, and he should not be presumed guilty while the investigation remains ongoing.
The missing service rifle has further raised security concerns, as investigators work to determine the circumstances of the attack, identify those responsible and recover the firearm. Effiong’s remains were reportedly evacuated to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation.
Another angle of investigation will involve the high government official whom the police officer was securing because such death is an eye opener to others since security cameras cannot identify the incident till the time of filling this report by 9News.
The killing has left residents asking difficult questions about security in Owerri and the wider Imo State. For many, the circumstances are particularly disturbing because an armed police officer reportedly on official guard duty could be attacked and killed at a government commissioner’s residence.
The incident also comes against the backdrop of the continuing risks faced by police personnel in the line of duty. Earlier this month, the Imo State Police Command said it had paid benefits to families of 52 officers who died in the line of duty, underscoring the human cost associated with police service in the state.
The Imo State Police Command has commenced investigation into the killing, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the assailants, locate the missing security guard and recover the stolen police firearm.
As investigators work to unravel the circumstances of the murder, residents are awaiting answers on how the attackers gained access to the premises, what happened to the missing rifle and whether anyone connected to the residence had prior knowledge of the attack.
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