Suspect allegedly fled with two children after the fatal attack, leaving behind a four-month-old baby rescued by police

The Imo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a man accused of allegedly killing his wife on church premises in Owaelu, Owerri North Local Government Area, before fleeing with two of their children.

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The tragic Imo church killing occurred on Tuesday morning, with police confirming that the suspect abandoned the couple’s four-month-old baby, who has since been rescued and placed in the care of a trusted family member.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said officers discovered the woman’s lifeless body after receiving reports of the alleged attack.

“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 on church premises,” Okoye said.

According to the police, the suspect fled immediately after the incident with two of the couple’s children.

“The suspect reportedly fled with two of their children, leaving behind a suckling baby, who has since been rescued and handed over to a trusted family relative,” the police spokesman added.

Okoye said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Owerri North Division had visited the scene as part of the preliminary investigation.

He added that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and safely recover the two children.

The police appealed to members of the public to assist the investigation by providing credible information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.

The command urged anyone with relevant information on the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the Owerri North Divisional Police Headquarters or the nearest police station.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the deceased, the suspect or the children, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

The incident has renewed concerns over domestic violence and family-related killings in Nigeria.

Security agencies and advocacy groups have repeatedly urged individuals experiencing domestic conflicts to seek lawful intervention and counselling, stressing that disputes should never escalate into violence.