A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Dr. Fabian Osita, has been reportedly murdered by a yet-to-be-identified group.
Reports obtained by Henzodaily on Tuesday indicated that Osita was tragically shot dead on Monday night in the vicinity of the high-tension area in Aroma, Awka, while he was returning home from work.
According to a witness at the scene, the assailants intercepted the victim’s vehicle in an attempt to steal it.
However, when Dr. Osita resisted their efforts, he was shot in the head.
The PUNCH quoted the source saying: “Yes, he was shot dead in that high-tension area yesterday evening. Some individuals are stating that he was a lecturer at UNIZIK and hailed from Nteje.” The armed assailants blocked his Toyota Corolla and upon his resistance, he was tragically shot in the head, resulting in his immediate death.
“The hoodlums abandoned his corpse and drove away in his vehicle. He was already dead before help could come to him. The insecurity around the area, a whole capital territory, is becoming fearsome, and people should ensure their safety during this Yuletide. If they come for your car, surrender the car, our lives are important.”
It was gathered that the deceased was a lecturer at the Business Department of the institution before his death on Monday.
The Chief Security Officer of the institution, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed that he was shot dead at about 7:30 pm on Monday in the high-tension area in Aroma.
Chukwurah said members of the school’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities were mobilising to go to the Government House in Awka to express their grievances against the growing insecurity in Awka.
“Yes, he was shot dead at about 7:30 pm on Monday at the high-tension area in Aroma. It was a case of car snatching; the hoodlums attempted to snatch his Toyota Corolla car, and he put up a resistance, and they shot him.
“He was an academic staff member at the Business Department of the institution. The incident has thrown the University community into a mourning mood. It is important to note that he was killed outside the university. The matter has been reported at the DSS,” he said.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State police, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident upon being contacted, stating that an investigation has commenced to identify the perpetrators.
Ikenga expressed condolences to the family members, particularly to the management of UNIZIK, and urged eyewitnesses and members of the public to provide any information that could assist in the investigation.
“Anambra State Police Command has begun the investigation over the murder of Mr Fabian Osita. Information revealed that Osita, a staff of the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe, was shot by yet unidentified gunmen yesterday, 16/12/2024 at 10:10 pm at Aroma Junction.
“The murders also made away with his car, a Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number. To this end, the Command, while condoling his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to come forward in this regard.
“The command also urged members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any such to report to the closest police station or call the command control room number on 07039194332 or PPRO on 08039334002. Further development shall be communicated, please,” Ikenga told newsmen on Tuesday.