UNIZIK lecturer shot dead in carjacking attempt in Awka

A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Dr. Fabian Osita, has been shot dead by some yet-to-be-identified members of a car-snatching syndicate.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Monday night near the high-tension area in Aroma in Awka, the state capital, as the deceased was driving home from work.

Some sources who spoke to newsmen near the scene of the incident said the assailants double-crossed the victim in a bid to snatch his car, but he was immediately shot in the head as he attempted to put up a resistance.

A source said: “Yes he was shot dead along that high tension yesterday (Monday) evening. Some people are saying that he was a lecturer at UNIZIK and from Nteje.

“The armed men double-crossed his Toyota Corolla car as he was driving and made an attempt to snatch it, but he put up a resistance and unfortunately, he was shot on the head and he died instantly.

“The hoodlums abandoned his corpse and drove away in his vehicle. He was already dead before help could come to him. The insecurity around the area, a whole capital territory is becoming fearsome and people should ensure their safety this Yuletide. If they come for your car, surrender the car, our lives are important.”

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Osita was a lecturer at the Business Department of the institution before his death on Monday.

The Chief Security Officer of the institution, Ken Chukwurah, who confirmed the incident, noted that he was shot dead at about 7:30pm on Monday in the high-tension area in Aroma.

Chukwurah said members of the school’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, were mobilising to go to the Government House in Awka, to express their grievances against the growing insecurity in Awka.

He said: “Yes, he was shot dead at about 7:30pm on Monday at the high-tension area in Aroma. It was a case of car snatching, the hoodlums attempted to snatch his Toyota Corolla car and he put up a resistance and they shot him.

“He was an academic staff at the Business Department of the Institution. The incident has thrown the University community into a mourning mood. It is important to note that he was killed outside the university. The matter has been reported at the DSS.”

The Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident, assuring that an investigation has begun to unravel the killers.

Ikenga said: “Anambra State Police Command has began the investigation over the murder of Mr Fabian Osita. Information revealed that Osita, a staff of the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe was shot by yet unidentified gunmen yesterday 16/12/2024 at 10:10pm at Aroma Junction.

“The murderers also made away with his car, a Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number. To this end, the Command while condoling his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to please come forward in this regard.

“The command also urged members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any such to report to the closest police station or call the command control room number on 07039194332 or PPRO on 08039334002. Further development shall be communicated, please.”

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