Police in Imo State have launched a manhunt for a man accused of killing his wife inside a church in Owaelu, Owerri North Local Government Area, before fleeing with two of their children.
The tragic incident was confirmed on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, who said officers have intensified efforts to arrest the suspect and safely recover the missing children.
According to the police, the woman’s body was discovered inside the church premises after neighbours became alarmed by the persistent cries of her baby. The suspect had reportedly fled the scene with two older children, leaving the toddler beside the victim’s body.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said residents made the discovery on Tuesday morning after responding to the infant’s cries.
Okoye disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters visited the scene immediately after receiving the report. The rescued baby has since been handed over to a trusted family member for proper care.
“The Imo State Police Command is aware of the tragic incident reported this morning at Owaelu, Owerri North LGA, where the lifeless body of a woman, allegedly killed by her husband, was discovered in a church premises,” Okoye said.
He added that the suspect reportedly escaped with two of the couple’s children, while the abandoned baby has been safely rescued. Police say investigations are ongoing as officers work to apprehend the suspect and locate the missing children.
The command has appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest. Anyone with credible information is advised to report to the Owerri North Divisional Police Headquarters or contact the Imo State Police Command through its emergency line.
