In a tragic event that has plunged the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, into mourning, Dr. Fabian Osita, a lecturer from the Business Department, was killed on Monday, December 16, 2024, during an attempted carjacking near the high-tension area of Aroma, Awka, Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses reported that Dr. Osita was driving his Toyota Corolla home when armed men double-crossed his vehicle, attempting to seize it. Resisting their efforts, he was fatally shot in the head. The assailants fled the scene with his vehicle, abandoning his body. Sources confirmed that he was already deceased by the time help arrived.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 pm, highlights the rising insecurity in Awka, particularly during the holiday season. Witnesses and security experts have cautioned residents to prioritize their safety, advising surrendering valuables to attackers in such situations.
University and Police Respond
The Chief Security Officer of UNIZIK, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the killing, emphasizing that it occurred outside the university premises. The tragic loss has cast a pall over the university community, with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) mobilizing to protest the deteriorating security situation in the state.
The Anambra State Police Command, through its spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has launched an investigation into the killing. Ikenga noted that the gunmen also made away with Dr. Osita’s 2006 ash-colored Toyota Corolla with an Enugu State plate number.
The police extended condolences to Dr. Osita’s family, friends, and UNIZIK staff, urging anyone with useful information about the attackers or the stolen vehicle to come forward. The public can report details to the nearest police station or contact the command control room via provided numbers.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for heightened security measures in Anambra State, particularly during the festive season. Further updates from the ongoing investigation are anticipated.
Call for Action
The killing has intensified calls for improved law enforcement and security within Awka and the state at large. The university community and other stakeholders are expected to continue pressuring authorities to address these growing concerns to safeguard lives and property effectively.
