By Cajetan Mmuta
Heavily armed men have assassinated the Chairman of Udala Football Club, Chief Philip Udala, and six others in Anambra state.

Also, killed along with the billionaire sports philanthropist were three police escorts attached to his convoy and the Secretary of Anambra Independent League (AIFL), Godsent Eriobu.

ThisNigeria learned that the incident occurred Tuesday night when Chief Udala’s convoy ran into a gang of armed gunmen at Eke-Agu Market junction in Abatete, Idemili North Local Area of the state.

Sadly, the gunmen were said to have set the deceased ablaze after bullets fired at him failed to penetrate.
Members of his convoy, including three policemen and drivers were also killed and their vehicles burnt.

Rev. Obinna Dike, Chairman of AIFL who reportedly confirmed the death of the league secretary explained that Chief Philip Udala, Chairman of Udala FC, was set ablaze after gunshots fired at him reportedly failed to penetrate his body.

Udala FC has been an active participant in the AIFL amateur league since it was founded in 2016 before it gained promotion to Nationwide League.

Eriobu, who also doubles as Manager of Udala FC, was in the convoy of the chairman when they ran into the gunmen.

The Gunmen were said to have attacked a Police Station in the area after which they went on a killing spree on everyone on sight.

Reverand Dike said the AIFL family was in a mourning mood as Udala and Eriobu were resourceful members of the management team.

Residents of the community were said to have quickly locked their shops and bolted for safety as the gunmen shot sporadically even as many sustained gunshot injuries in the melee.

Udala’s death, great loss to Nigeria Football – Mohammed Alkali

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Anambra State Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga when contacted on Wednesday confirmed the incident.

He said the “The unfortunate incident occurred Tuesday night and details of what actually happened became clearer today (Wednesday).”

Though he did not give full details of the casualty figure in the dastard act perpetrated by the rampaging gunmen.

The police spokesperson in the state added that investigation into the ugly incident was ongoing.