The people of Mgbala Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State have been thrown into shock following the murder of one of their illustrious sons, a retired policemen, Barrister Chris Kpatuma.
Kpatuma, popularly known as Hippies, was reportedly attacked on his farm, beheaded and his severed body sent to his family by his attackers.
It was learnt that since the incident happened on Tuesday, no arrest has been made and the reason for his murder still not known.
One of the youth leaders in the area, who did not want his name mentioned, said that the death of Dee Hippies, as many used to call him, was not only a sad event to his family and his Mgbala town but to the entire Agwa clan.
He said, “Hippies has been one of those who made sure peace returned to Agwa. Before now our people had lived in fear as a result of cult boys who attacked and killed people. But through the efforts of Dee Hippis and some others, many of the cult boys were arrested and those not arrested fled, allowing peace to return to the entire Agwa.
“Also, he was among those, who alongside with Agwa people based in Lagos and other states of the country, contributed in one way or the other to build the Agwa Police Division. The division was only inaugurated a few days ago by the Imo State Police Commissioner. It was inaugurated alongside the Agwa Central Vigilante Group.
“The murder of Hippis at a time Agwa people were happy that they now have police presence and a state recognised vigilante group, is really very worrisome.”
Speaking on the incident, the traditional ruler of the community, also a retired policeman, Eze Blaise Ubah, said the murder had been reported to the police.
The state police spokesperson, Mike Abattam, who confirmed the incident, said that the command had commenced investigation into the matter.