Also, 26 alleged sit-at-home enforcers, suspected to be members of IPOB, were arrested on July 9 after a gun duel at a hotel in Owerri.
“They went on to raze part of the market and burnt vehicles.” the source said.
The victims were said to be travelling to Enugu on Saturday for a burial, when they were attacked by the unidentified hoodlums.
The police command in Imo says it arrested five notorious armed robbery suspects terrorising Owerri and its environs.
Gunmen shot the traditional ruler dead in his car at Izombo community in the council area on Thursday and set him ablaze thereafter.
The priest was abducted while preparing for the Eucharistic Mass celebration.
“They were ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.
The arrest came barely two weeks after gunmen attacked and killed four policemen in a restaurant at Ngor Okpala area of the state.
The gunmen opened fire on five policemen who went to eat at a local restaurant.
