Police inspector murdered at Imo Commissioner’s residence

A police inspector, Henry Effiong, was murdered while on guard duty at the residence of the Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Chief Barr Rex Anunobi, in New Owerri. The incident occurred on Monday, September 14, 2026, at No. 1 Sokom Villa, Area E.

Investigators found Effiong dead inside his room with his legs tied. A sharp object, suspected to be a machete, was allegedly used in the attack. Following the killing, assailants stole the inspector’s service rifle and mobile phone. An empty magazine and a walkie-talkie were recovered from the scene.

Police have raised suspicions regarding a security guard named Genesis, a Taraba State indigene attached to the residence, who reportedly fled the scene and switched off his phone after the incident. Authorities are investigating whether the guard may have facilitated the attackers' entry into the guarded premises.