A retired police officer Chris Kpatuma a.k.a Hipis has been murdered by Gunmen in Mgbala Agwa Autonomous Community, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo.

The police officer is said to have been killed on Wednesday with sources telling Channels Television that the attackers are suspected escapees from the Owerri Correctional Centre who live in a neighboring community.

Kpatuma was waylaid at the entrance of his home and shot dead while his body was taken away. His throat was slit when his body was later found.

The spokesman of the Imo State Police Command Mike Abatam, who confirmed the development, also said investigations into the matter have begun.

Kpatuma’s murder is the latest in a series of attacks on security personnel and facilities in the South East, especially in Imo State.

In recent months, gunmen have targeted security agencies in the state, killing some and injuring others. Aside from attacks on police officers and other security personnel, several police facilities have been targeted by assailants.

Before the recent incident, gunmen attacked a police station in Mgbidi, the headquarters of Oru West Local Government Area of the state. An inspector was killed and another one injured during the attack, police authorities said.