Hoodlums have beheaded a retired policeman and lawyer, from Agwa clan in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Barr. Christian Kpatuma. He was killed on Tuesday.

While the reason for his murder had not been ascertained, fear had gripped the residents of the area.

The retired policeman was murdered on his farm and his severed body brought back to his house by his attackers.

A family source, who did not want his name in print, said the killing of the retired policeman popularly known as Hipis had thrown the family into sadness.

The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Blaise Ubah, said the murder had been reported to the police.

When contacted, the police spokesperson for the state command, Mike Abattam, said investigation into the matter had commenced.

The late ACP, popularly known as ‘HIPPIES’, was allegedly murdered by cultists said to have taken over Agwa.

It was gathered that the cultists, who are well known in Agwa, went to his house in the early hours of Wednesday and killed him.

A prominent citizen of the community, who sought anonymity, appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma to bring those who murdered the late assistant commissioner of police to book.

“I call on the Governor of Imo State to direct the security agencies to Agwa with a view to hunting these cultists and their sponsors and financiers until they are all brought to book.

“Agwa people now live in great fear, in spite of the fact that her well-meaning sons and daughters suffered to build a Police Divisional Headquarters (adjudged to be the best in Imo State), which was commissioned barely three days ago together with a Vigilante Service. I am greatly pained,” he said.

When contacted, Imo Police spokesman, CSP Michael Abattam, said that he has heard about the incident but was yet to get details from the Divisional Police Officer in the area.

“I have heard about it, but I want to get the details from the Divisional Police Officer in the area and get back to you,” he said.