Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed two about to wed soldiers on their way to their wedding venue in Imo state.

In a picture circulating online, the heads of the deceased was placed beside their corpse.

The victims, A. M. Linus, said to be a Sergeant of the Nigerian Army, and his unidentified wife, said to be a lance corporal in the Army, were reportedly beheaded after being shot dead by the gunmen.

In a phone conversation, a man confessed to killing the couple and two others.

According to him, soldiers have been killing innocent people and he has “eaten these ones” in revenge.

Before his death, the Master Warrant Officer was compulsorily retired ahead of his wedding to the female junior officer who was also killed.

Confirming the attack, Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu said that military authorities have received information about the killing of two of their personnel.

Mr Nwachukwu said the military personnel were travelling for their “traditional marriage formalities” in Imo State when they were attacked by the gunmen.

“This is a very dastardly act unleashed on our personnel by some criminals,” he said in a text message in response to PREMIUM TIMES’ enquiry on the incident.

The army spokesperson said authorities of the Nigerian Army had commenced investigations “to unmask and bring to book the criminals behind the murder.”

Attacks by gunmen have increased in the South-east in recent times. The attacks often target security agencies and government facilities.