In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves through the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) community, Dr. Osita Chinedu, a senior lecturer, was tragically murdered by gunmen in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday night. The incident took place around 8 PM in the High Tension area, according to eyewitness reports.
Dr. Chinedu, a native of Nteje in the Oyi Local Government Area, was driving his Toyota Corolla when a group of armed assailants, also in a Toyota Corolla, intercepted his vehicle. An eyewitness described how the lecturer attempted to confront the attackers but was met with fatal violence.
“Immediately he came out to query the reason for the blockage, one of the assailants pulled out a gun and fired twice, shattering his head,” the eyewitness recounted. “After they fired two bullets into the man’s head, he fell, and blood started gushing from his head. Those thieves then got into his car, ran over him, and drove off with both his Toyota Corolla and their own vehicle.”
The shocking attack left bystanders in horror, with some recognizing the victim and immediately notifying his family. As preparations were made to transport his body, a police team from the Central Police Station (CPS) Awka arrived. However, a tense standoff ensued as the grieving family insisted on handling the body, while the police insisted on taking possession.
The news of Dr. Chinedu’s tragic death has cast a shadow of sorrow over UNIZIK. Mr. Louise Njelita, the university’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident but could not provide further details. “I received the news of Chinedu’s murder but currently have no details,” he said. Njelita added that the university’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) was seen heading to the office of the Acting Vice-Chancellor in response to the tragedy.
The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to thoroughly investigate the tragic killing of Dr. Fabian Osita Chinedu. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga issued a statement confirming the murder and providing details about the incident. “The Anambra State Police Command has initiated investigations into the alleged murder of Mr. Fabian Osita Chinedu. Information reveals that Mr. Chinedu, a staff member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was shot by unidentified gunmen on 16th December 2024, at approximately 10:10 PM at Aroma Junction. The assailants also stole his Toyota Corolla, a 2006 model, ash color, with Enugu Plate Number UWN 158 AS.”
SP Ikenga further appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation and extended condolences to the family. “The Command, while commiserating with the family, urges anyone with information to come forward to help with the ongoing investigation.”
