By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Tragedy struck in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Sunday night as a couple identified as Mr. and Mrs. Sampson Owobo fell victim to a horrifying shooting incident. The couple, residents of Edo State, endured a fatal attack carried out by three assailants.
Mr. Sampson Owobo, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, and his wife were gunned down around 8pm near the Chisco Transport company office, situated in close proximity to the Owerri Area Police Command office. This location also houses the Owerri Urban Police Divisional headquarters along Egbu Road.
The violent incident sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting residents and business owners alike to take swift protective measures. As gunshots rang out, residents sought refuge by barricading themselves within their homes, while business owners hurriedly locked up their shops and retreated to safety.
An eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the events leading to the tragic outcome. Reportedly, the assailants, attempting to rob the couple, targeted their Point Of Sale business and the bag of money they carried. When their robbery attempt met resistance, the gunmen resorted to violence.
In a gruesome turn of events, the armed robbers fired at close range, with Mr. Sampson Owobo taking a fatal shot to his forehead near his eyes. His wife also suffered a gunshot wound to her left side, close to her chest. Tragically, Mr. Owobo succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
Emergency services arrived to rush Mrs. Owobo to the Federal Medical Centre in Owerri. Despite efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced security measures and prompt action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The witness spoke to our correspondent saying, “Three armed men just killed a husband and his wife. This incident happened close to the Chisco Transport company office which is very close to Owerri Police Area command headquarters and Owerri Urban Police Divisional headquarters, at the fire Service on Egbu Road-Owerri.”
“The armed robbers were carrying pump action riffles and were trying to carry a bag containing money. The husband and wife run a POS business and also sell loaves of bread. When they could not succeed in carrying the bag of money, they shot the couple on closed ranges.”
“They shot the man on a closed range at his forehead, closed to his eyes. They shot his wife on a close range too, at her left-hand side, very close to her chest. While the man died immediately, his wife who was bleeding profusely was pronounced dead at FMC-Owerri.”
“The man’s name is Sampson Owobo. He hailed from Edo State. He is a retired police officer. He retired with the rank of ASP. He retired about five years ago or so.”
“The armed robbers fled and haven’t been caught. This is so bad. This crime happened very close to the Owerri fire service police area command headquarters and the Owerri Urban Police Divisional headquarters.”
In response to inquiries, Henry Okoye, the official spokesperson for the state’s police department, verified the tragic murder of the aforementioned couple. He further revealed that law enforcement in the region had taken decisive steps to pursue the suspects who had fled the scene.
“The murder of the couple is highly condemnable. The CP frowns at the killing of the couple and he has immediately ordered an investigation into their killings with the mandate to apprehend the fleeing criminals.” Okoye said.
