Gunmen Shoot Dead Bakery Proprietor In Imo
A tragic incident transpired on Sunday, March 1, 2026, when an entrepreneur, Tochi Duru, was tragically shot and killed in the Ogbaku Community, located in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to reports, his assailants arrived at a petrol station where Mr. Duru was purchasing premium motor spirit.
They forcibly removed him from his vehicle and shot him multiple times at close range.
The incident occurred as he was returning from his hometown of Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area accompanied by his wife and daughter.
A family member informed National Newsbreak that the assailants, who were driven to the petrol station by a woman, shot him in various parts of his body to ensure his demise before fleeing the scene.
“His killers were exceedingly ruthless. They shot him in the chest, head, abdomen, and legs. He cried out and called for his mother,” the family source recounted.
The source further disclosed that he was returning from Ejemekwuru after delivering foodstuffs and other items to his mother, heading back to Ogbaku, where he operated a large bakery, when he met his tragic end.
His attackers reportedly absconded with his vehicle, which was subsequently recovered by security personnel.
Our correspondent learned that the shooting incited panic, prompting many bystanders to flee in various directions to save their lives.
The assailants also threatened his wife and daughter, warning them to stay away unless they wished to suffer the same fate.
Fortunately, three of the assailants were reportedly shot and killed following an intelligence report provided to security operatives at a roadblock on the Ukwuoji section of the Owerri-Onitsha expressway.
The Ejemekwuru Community presented a desolate appearance on Monday during our reporter’s visit.
His mother became hysterical upon receiving the news of her son’s death at the hands of such ruthless individuals.
She continuously wept and sobbed, maintaining an inconsolable demeanor throughout the duration of our reporter’s visit.
The police authorities in the state had not yet responded to inquiries regarding the incident at the time of publication.
