Gunmen Kill UNIZIK Lecturer, Steal Car in Gruesome Attack

A senior lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Dr. Osita Chinedu, has been brutally killed by gunmen in Anambra State. The tragic incident occurred around the High Tension area in Awka on Monday night.

Eyewitnesses reported that Dr. Chinedu, who hailed from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area, was driving his Toyota Corolla when hoodlums, also in a Toyota Corolla, intercepted him at about 8:00 p.m.

One of the witnesses narrated, “The attackers blocked his car, and as soon as he stepped out to question them, one of the assailants pulled out a gun and shot him twice in the head. Blood gushed out, and they ran over his body with his car before fleeing with both vehicles.”

The eyewitness added that people at the scene contacted the lecturer’s family. While his remains were being moved into a vehicle, a team of policemen from the Central Police Station (CPS), Awka, arrived and insisted on taking custody of the body. However, the family pleaded to handle it themselves.

The killing has thrown the UNIZIK community into mourning, with staff and students expressing shock over the lecturer’s gruesome death.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Louis Njelita, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to obtain full details. “I was aware of Dr. Chinedu’s unfortunate murder, and I saw the Chief Security Officer heading to the acting Vice-Chancellor’s office. It’s truly a sad day for us all,” he said.

In response, the Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident. The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the perpetrators.

“The Anambra State Police Command has commenced investigations over the alleged murder of Mr. Fabian Osita Chinedu. Information reveals that Mr. Fabian, a staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, was shot by unidentified gunmen on Monday, December 16, 2024, at about 10:10 p.m. near Aroma Junction. The assailants also stole his Toyota Corolla 2006 model, ash in color, with an Enugu registration plate, UWN 158 AS,” Ikenga said.

He further appealed to the public, stating, “Anyone with useful information that can aid the investigation, or who sights a similar vehicle, should report to the nearest police station or contact us via the Command Control Room Number: 07039194332 or through me directly at 08039334002.”

The police also assured the public of their commitment to ensuring the killers are brought to justice.