Gunmen invaded the Obudi Agwa community in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday, killing five persons, including the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Ignitus Asor.
DailyTrust reports that some armed youths stormed the palace of the traditional ruler where a dispute between locals was being arbitrated and opened fire on him.
Aside from the traditional ruler, two palace chiefs and two other members of the community were shot dead.
Others, including the traditional prime minister, Chief Stephen Ajoku, sustained gunshot injuries.
The invading youths later stormed a neighbouring community, Mgbala, allegedly killing a pregnant woman and a local security officer.
A community source said that the cause of the shooting was not known, as the victims were taken unaware.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Mike Abattam, were unsuccessful, as his phones rang out.
A few days earlier, soldiers and youths clashed in the Izombe community, still in Oguta Local Government Area.
