Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have killed the Secretary of Okija Development Union in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Peter Awah.
The reason for the killing has yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that the incident happened at about 11pm on Sunday at Eke Umudioka, Okija, opposite a market square in the community.
Awa, until his murder, was a lawyer and the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ihiala Branch and also the Director of Public Prosecution, Anambra State.
Also, a yet-to-be-identified businessman was kidnapped by the gunmen at Nkwo Okija while he was driving home from a function.
A source in the area said the gunmen approached the deceased and immediately gunned him down as he was about to alight from his vehicle.
The eyewitness said the development created panic in the area as the traders in the market scampered to safety.
The state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incidents when contacted on the telephone on Monday, adding that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, had ordered a manhunt on the assailants.
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Ikenga said security operatives have been deployed in the area as clues have been obtained from eyewitnesses around the scene.
Ikenga said, “The Command operatives have begun an investigation into the murder of Peter Awah, Secretary of Okija Development Union on 19/5/2024 by 11:00 pm at Eke Umudioka, Okija.
“Preliminary information revealed that the assailants operating in motorbikes, shot the deceased as he was about to alight from his vehicle for safety when he was approached by the murderers.
“Meanwhile, some eyewitnesses have provided details that are already aiding the investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, while commiserating with the family and friends of the deceased, the Nigeria Bar Association, the people of Okija as well as the State, directed the immediate transfer of the case to the Homicide section of the Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for a Comprehensive probe into the incident.”
It’s been barely three weeks since CP Itam assumed duties in the state and within this period, two persons, including a lawyer and a Catholic priest, have also been reportedly kidnapped and their whereabouts remained unknown.