By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Tuesday’s evening assassination of Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of the late Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dora, yesterday sparked panic in most parts of Anambra State as the state Police Command raised the alarm over the rising spate of attacks and disturbance of public peace.

Akunyili was shot dead by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area, a suburb of Onitsha, the state’s commercial city.

ThisNigeria learnt that the slain Akunyili was on his way to Umuoji community when the incident happened.

Six other persons were reportedly killed around the same spot on Tuesday evening according to an eyewitness.

According to reports, the deceased was returning from Onitsha after a posthumous award bestowed on his late wife (Dora) when the assailants struck.

He was said to have attended a lecture in honour of his late wife at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral in Onitsha organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (UNNAA).

A source said, “He spoke glowingly about Dora his wife, and made a donation of N500,000 to the association. He was there with his son, Obum, who now works with the Anambra State Government. We saw them off to the car, and it was emotional when Obum hugged him (Chike) tight, as both of them separated to join their respective vehicles.

“Obum was in a white Hilux van, while his father was in a Prado Jeep. He must have been killed when returning from the function.”

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A resident of Agulu community identified as Johnbosco, said, “He lost his life at Nkpor Junction, Idemili North Anambra State, Tuesday 28th September 2021 when he came to Anambra to receive an award for the late amazon, Prof Dora Akunyili.”

Another source who claimed to have witnessed the incident, said, “It was a very big problem on Tuesday evening at Nkpor area following the sudden shooting of Chike by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

“The people were in black attire, and as soon as they came down from the vehicle, they started shooting, which made people around scamper for safety. By the time the attack was over, six persons, including the man they said, was Prof. Akunyili’s husband, were killed.”

The source alleged that the personal driver and police orderly attached to the late Akunyili was among those killed during the attack by the gunmen.

Police raise the alarm over insecurity in Anambra
Following the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Tony Olofu, has raised the alarm over the rising spate of attacks and disturbance of public peace

He stated this shortly after he led a team of top personnel of the command to the scene of the Tuesday evening attack that led to the death of Akunyili in Nkpor.

Olofu observed with grave concern, the series of security breaches that have taken place within the state, and has, therefore, ordered tactical commanders of the command to immediately put an end to the madness.

He gave the order when he led senior police officers from the command on-the-spot assessment to the crime scenes.

While regretting the unfortunate loss of lives and valuables due to those senseless acts, Olofu, however, called for calm among members of the deceased family and people of the state, assuring that police would collaborate with other security agencies to decisively deal with the perpetrators.

The state police boss was, however, silent on the number of persons killed by the gunmen on Tuesday.

Obiano places N20m bounty on killers
Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano has placed a bounty of N20m on the killers of the slain Akunyili.

In a public address on Wednesday evening, Obiano condemned the recent spate of attacks in different areas of the state.

He said, “I have received from security commanders, offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed.

“Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.”

“Between September 26 and 28, attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about 10 people dead including an illustrious son of this state, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor.

“These are our people dying every day and for what reason? Ndi Anambra, these attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now.”

The Governor disclosed that he has summoned a security meeting to carve out strategies to tackle the menace.

“I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land.

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“To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce N20m reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State. The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book.”

Killing political- IPOB
Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), yesterday exonerated the group from any involvement in the gruesome murder of Akunyili.

The group allegedly linked the slain Akunyili’s death with political assassination, pointing out that those behind the dastard act are contesting for the upcoming November 6 Anambra State governorship election.

The Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka, alleged that those who poisoned the late Dora might be responsible for her husband’s death.

“They know themselves. Those that conspired to poison Prof Dora Akunyili, are contesting the governorship election in Anambra State today.

“We have no issues with Chike Akunyili and we don’t know him. Those behind this act must stop this and stop using IPOB’s name, we don’t want anybody to blame IPOB because we must get them. This is pure political assassination going on in Anambra State now and it’s been perfected.

“We know their plans and gimmick is to discourage Biafrans who are encouraging and supporting us but it can’t work for them. Shortly, those committing these atrocities in Imo and Anambra states will hear from IPOB and our people should not blame us because we must get them.”

Tension heightens
Tension has heightened in parts of the state following Akunyili’s assassination, according to checks by ThisNigeria

It was observed that participating political parties in the forthcoming governorship election in the state have dramatically withdrawn their branded campaign vehicles off the roads over the fear of targeted attacks.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has condemned what it called “ethnic cleansing and extra judiciary killings” in the southeast, especially Anambra.

A statement by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, urged the state governor, Willie Obiano, to take urgent steps to address the rising insecurity to avoid the Federal Government from declaring a state of emergency in the state.

Isiguzoro said, “Governor Willie Obiano should ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime and murder are brought to face the consequences of their actions before the laws of the land to avoid the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government in Anambra before the guber elections.”

Further findings revealed that more than 18 persons including some members of major parties in the contest have been shot dead in the wake of a spate of attacks by suspected gunmen.

Worse as the situation remains tense, rival bloody clashes between members of secret cult fraternities have suddenly surfaces which have led to the death of at least ten persons during attacks in parts of Awka and adjoining towns of the state.

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The tragic death of the soft-spoken Chike Akunyili has sparked anger amongst stakeholders and groups across the state and the nation at large including political actors.