The peaceful community of Ugbene-Ajima in Enugu State has been left in shock and mourning following the tragic assassination of Sunday Ayogu, a successful businessman, in Onitsha, Anambra State. Ayogu, popularly known as Blessed Sunnytex, was reportedly killed in his home by a parcel bomb on January 19, 2025, an attack that has sent shockwaves through his family and the wider community.
A Community Shaken by Grief
The horrifying incident occurred in Awada, Onitsha, where Ayogu had been residing. Eyewitnesses and family members have revealed that Ayogu had received a phone call on the fateful afternoon, which led him to go downstairs to receive a package. According to his son, who was a direct witness to the event, a man dressed in black approached Ayogu and handed him a parcel. Moments later, the package exploded, causing severe injuries to Ayogu. The assailant was seen fleeing the scene, reportedly shouting “fire! fire!” in an apparent attempt to distract any potential witnesses.
A source close to the family shared the heartbreaking details of Ayogu’s final moments, stating, “He fell to the ground, bleeding profusely from his injuries. We rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead shortly after arrival.”
A Haunting Echo of Dele Giwa’s Murder
Reverend Father Dr. Paulinus Ogara, the Catholic priest of Ugbene-Ajima, expressed his deep shock and dismay over the assassination. Father Ogara lamented the increasing levels of violence in the country and the rising insecurity that threatens the lives of Nigerians, especially those who are successful or well-known. In his reaction, he pointed to the chilling similarity between this recent assassination and the infamous 1986 murder of Nigerian journalist, Dele Giwa, who was killed by a parcel bomb.
“This act of terrorism reminds us painfully of the tragic assassination of Dele Giwa, a dark moment in Nigeria’s history. The method, the brutality, and the sheer cowardice of the act raise serious concerns about the safety of citizens and the country’s ability to safeguard its people,” said Father Ogara.
The priest went on to question whether the country is seeing a resurgence of parcel bomb terrorism, an alarming prospect that could have wide-reaching implications for national security. “The method of using parcel bombs as a tool for assassination is not only horrifying but deeply disturbing. It undermines the safety of citizens, making them vulnerable in their own homes or workplaces,” Ogara added.
A Growing Threat to Public Safety
As concerns mount over the rising levels of violence in Anambra State, with incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and now parcel bomb killings, Father Ogara stressed that immediate and decisive action is needed from the government. He called for enhanced intelligence gathering and stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.
“This assassination sends a chilling message to the public. The use of parcel bombs must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice swiftly. Failure to do so would send the wrong message about the state of security in this country,” he said.
Ogara also expressed the economic and societal ramifications of such acts. The widespread fear generated by the use of parcel bombs could lead to significant economic fallout, as businesses and individuals may begin to avoid using postal services and online shopping platforms. This, in turn, could exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
“If left unchecked, parcel bomb terrorism could have far-reaching consequences,” he warned. “It could cripple vital sectors such as e-commerce and logistics, and more dangerously, it could silence critical voices in the press and among civil society. Journalists, activists, and politicians could become targets, eroding the democratic fabric of our nation.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Father Ogara concluded by calling on the Nigerian government to act swiftly to address the issue of escalating violence. He suggested that authorities should enhance surveillance systems and increase security training for personnel to better prepare for emerging threats like parcel bomb terrorism. He also advocated for the creation of a national threat assessment center to help track and respond to these new forms of attack.
“This is not just about one man’s tragic death. It’s about the safety of all Nigerians. If we do not take action now, we could be setting the stage for more widespread violence and terror,” he warned.
A Nation in Mourning
As the investigation into the assassination of Sunday Ayogu continues, the Enugu community is left grappling with the shock and sadness of his untimely death. The people of Ugbene-Ajima, Ayogu’s home village, are particularly devastated, as they remember him as a successful and hardworking businessman who was a pillar of his community. His death has sent ripples of grief through the region, with many questioning the state of security in the country.
While the Anambra State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident, there is growing pressure for swift justice. Despite attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, for comments, there has been no response at the time of writing.
The people of Ugbene-Ajima, along with the wider Nigerian public, now await answers, hoping that those responsible for the death of Sunday Ayogu will be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. As the community continues to mourn, one thing is clear: the growing wave of violence in the country cannot be ignored, and Nigeria’s security forces must take immediate action to prevent further tragedies like this.
