The people of Awka, Anambra State, are reeling from the tragic killing of a staff member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Fabian Osita Chinedu, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants on Monday night.
The chilling murder took place at 10:10 p.m. on December 16, 2024, at the busy Aroma Junction in Awka.
According to a statement from the Anambra State Police Command, the gunmen not only killed Chinedu but also made off with his car, a Toyota Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour, with an Enugu plate number, UWN 158 AS.
“The murderers also made away with his car,” said SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command.
In his statement, Ikenga expressed the police’s sorrow over the tragic loss, particularly highlighting the deep impact it has had on the university community. “The Command, while commiserating with his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to please come forward,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson also called on the public to report any sightings of the stolen vehicle or similar vehicles to the nearest police station. He urged witnesses or anyone with information about the crime to contact the police immediately.
“The Command also urges members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any abandoned vehicle with similar description to report to the closest Police Station or call the Command Control Room Number – 07039194332 or SP Ikenga Tochukwu – PPRO 08039334002,” the statement concluded.
This murder is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have rocked the state. Only a few days earlier, on December 11, gunmen had stormed Ifite-Awka, killing at least four people and kidnapping a hotel manager.
Witnesses who were present during Monday’s shooting described the horrific scene at Aroma Junction. “I heard gunshots and saw people running for their lives. The gunmen moved quickly and made sure they escaped with the car. It all happened so fast,” one witness explained, shaking their head in disbelief.
There has been a growing wave of criminal activity in Awka, with frequent reports of gunmen causing chaos around key areas such as Aroma Junction, Ifite, and other parts of the city. On December 12, reports emerged of a deadly attack in Ifite-Awka, where several locations were targeted by armed assailants.
At least four people were killed in that incident, which led to widespread panic. “The gunmen fired into the air, causing everyone to run for their lives. People were screaming, and shops quickly shut down,” another resident recalled.
The attackers, who were heavily armed, reportedly targeted locations such as Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area.
Since the recent wave of violence began, residents of Awka have been living in fear, with many now afraid to go out after dark.
Local authorities are struggling to contain the rising tide of insecurity in the state. The police have asked for the support of the public in providing information that may lead to the arrest of the killers responsible for Chinedu’s death.
“We need the help of everyone to bring these criminals to justice. No one is safe as long as these gunmen are free. We urge the public to come forward with any information,” Ikenga urged, expressing hope that the public would play a key role in solving the case.
This tragic killing comes at a time when Anambra State is already grappling with rising violence, leaving many residents concerned about their safety.
As the investigation into Chinedu’s murder continues, the police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to track down the killers and bring them to justice.
This is the latest in a series of attacks that have left the citizens of Anambra State fearful for their safety. The repeated strikes by armed criminals have made life increasingly dangerous, with residents unsure of when or where the next attack may take place.
The police have assured the public that they are working diligently to resolve these crimes and restore peace to the state. However, they continue to emphasize the importance of community support in achieving these goals.
As the investigation into Fabian Osita Chinedu’s killing unfolds, the residents of Awka and the wider Anambra State are waiting for answers.
In the meantime, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
