Awka, Anambra State – A lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU), Fabian Chinedu, was shot dead by gunmen on Monday night in Anambra State, Nigeria’s South-East. The incident occurred around 10:10 p.m. at Aroma Junction in Awka, the state capital.
Sources confirmed that the assailants attempted to steal Chinedu’s car during the attack. The victim resisted the carjacking and was shot by the gunmen, who then fled the scene in his Toyota Corolla vehicle.
Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, revealing that the police have launched an investigation into the killing. The police also issued a public appeal for any information that could assist in locating the stolen vehicle or identifying the perpetrators.
Ikenga expressed condolences on behalf of the police force to the family, friends, and the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. “The command urges members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any abandoned vehicle with similar description to report to the closest police station,” Ikenga stated.
This attack adds to the growing concerns over security in Anambra State, which, like other states in Nigeria’s South-East, has been grappling with increased violence. Armed groups, often targeting security personnel and government officials, have been blamed for frequent assaults in the region.
The Nigerian government has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of involvement in the violence, though the group has consistently denied any participation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to address the deteriorating security situation in the region.