A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Anambra State, Fabian Chinedu, was reportedly killed on Monday night by suspected hoodlums near the popular Aroma Junction in Awka, the state capital.
The victim, a native of Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, was allegedly attacked by a car-snatching syndicate. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants shot him dead and fled the scene with his vehicle, leaving residents in shock.
An eyewitness who spoke to Newsmen confirmed the incident and urged residents to prioritize their safety: “They are saying that he was a lecturer from UNIZIK, from Nteje. People should be careful this period because the gunmen are on a rampage. If they come for your car, surrender it—our lives are important.”
Expressing anger over the worsening security situation, a UNIZIK staff member lamented: “A colleague and fellow sports enthusiast was shot dead last night. Soludo should just resign. This is no longer funny. We and our children are no longer safe in this state. A whole capital city! And people are talking about second tenure?”
In a statement, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed that the hoodlums made away with the victim’s car, a Toyota Corolla 2006 model (Ash colour) with Enugu plate number UWN 158 AS.
Tochukwu appealed to the public for any useful information:
“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. Members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any abandoned vehicle with a similar description are urged to report to the nearest Police Station.”
Louis Njelita, Acting Director of Information at UNIZIK, also confirmed that the institution had received reports of the incident and was working to ascertain the victim’s identity.
Investigations are ongoing as residents continue to demand urgent action to improve security in the state.
