Police Inspector Slain at Imo Commissioner’s Residence; Rifle Stolen, Guard Flees

A police inspector attached to the Imo State Police Command was brutally murdered while on guard duty at the residence of the state Commissioner for Trade and Investment in New Owerri, with his service rifle and mobile phone taken by the attackers.

Inspector Henry Effiong was found dead in the early hours of Monday, September 14, 2026, at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E, New Owerri. The commissioner, Chief Bar Rex Anunobi, was alerted around 7:00 a.m. by his housekeeper, Solomon Uzobu, who discovered the officer’s body. Anunobi contacted the police about an hour later.

Officers from the New Owerri Police Division quickly arrived at the scene. They found Effiong in his room with his legs bound and his body positioned toward the bathing area.

Investigators believe a sharp object, suspected to be a machete, was used in the attack.

Police have focused suspicion on a security guard identified as Genesis, a native of Taraba State who worked at the residence. According to the situation report, Genesis reportedly packed his belongings, switched off his phone and fled shortly after the incident. Investigators suspect he may have helped the attackers gain access to the premises.

An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were recovered at the scene and handed over to the Area Commander, Operations. Effiong’s remains were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital for preservation.

The Imo State Police Command has launched a full investigation. Efforts continue to arrest the suspected killers, locate the missing security guard and recover the stolen service rifle.

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Reports indicate that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of the police orderly attached to the commissioner’s residence, though further details on those arrests were still emerging as of Wednesday.

The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of officers assigned to protect public officials in the state. Police authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.