Police Hunt Man Accused of Killing Wife Inside Imo Church, Fleeing With Two Children

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

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at Owaelu community, where the woman's lifeless body was discovered on the church premises.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said preliminary findings indicate that the woman was allegedly murdered by her husband, who fled the scene immediately after the attack.

According to the police, the suspect escaped with two of the couple's children, leaving behind their four-month-old baby.

The abandoned infant was rescued by responders and has since been handed over to a trusted family relative for 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 on church premises," Okoye said in a statement.

"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 spokesperson disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Owerri North Division has visited the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

He added that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and safely rescue the two children who remain with him.

The command appealed to members of the public with credible information that could assist in locating the suspect or the missing children to report immediately to the Owerri North Divisional Police Headquarters or the nearest police station.

Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.