The security situation in Imo State worsened on Tuesday as gunmen invaded a meeting venue and shot dead two traditional rulers.

The names of the affected victims are Eze E. Duruebere of Okwudor autonomous community and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebinowerre autonomous community, both in Njaba.

The Police Command has confirmed the killing of the two traditional rulers at Nnenasa in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo.

Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Mike Abattam, told the News Agency of Nigeria in a phone interview in Owerri that the incident occurred on Tuesday.

Abattam, however, said investigations were ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The gunmen had on Tuesday stormed a meeting venue of some traditional rulers and stakeholders at Nnenasa where they opened fire, killing the two traditional rulers instantly.

According to a source, who pleaded anonymity, the sudden incident left those who attended the meeting scampering for safety.

“The gunmen shot sporadically, hitting the traditional rulers in the process and left the scene almost immediately,” the source said.

It noted that many people at the scene sustained varying degrees of injuries in the process.