Police probe suspected cult killing in Imo, hunt gunmen

Police officers. Photo: TheCable

The Imo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the suspected cult-related killing of a 34-year-old man, Gift Okoro, in Owerri and launched a manhunt for the fleeing gunmen.

 Okoro was allegedly shot dead at close range by unidentified assailants at a car wash around Bishop’s Court Roundabout, near the Imo State University axis of Owerri, on Wednesday.

 The state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso, had ordered a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting and bring the perpetrators to justice.

 Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered a thorough investigation into a suspected cult-related shooting incident reported in Owerri on November 11, 2026, involving one Gift Okoro, a 34-year-old male, who was allegedly shot by unidentified assailants.

 “Upon receipt of the report, police operatives promptly responded, while efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and apprehend the perpetrators.”

 Sources said the assailants drove to the car wash around Bishop’s Court Roundabout and shot Okoro at close range before speeding away from the scene.

 The police spokesperson said the command would not tolerate cultism, gang violence or any other form of criminality in the state.

 He urged members of the public with credible information that could assist the investigation or lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the command.

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 Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police reiterates that cultism, gang violence and all forms of criminality will not be tolerated in Imo State. He has directed that all necessary measures be taken to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.”

 He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that perpetrators of violent crimes would have no hiding place in the state.

 The latest killing comes amid a spate of suspected cult-related shootings and killings in parts of Imo State in recent weeks.

 On October 17, 2026, Nnamdi Okeke was shot dead in Owerri in an incident the police also described as cult-related.

 Following the killing, 22-year-old Bright Adiene was arrested in connection with Okeke’s murder, while the police launched a manhunt for another suspect, Anyima, who was allegedly linked to the shooting.