Recent Tragic Events in Anambra Communities: Two Killed, One Kidnapped

In Anambra, the community mourns the loss of Barrister Peter Awa, the Secretary-General of Okija Progressive Union, and Izuchukwu Igwenagha, known as Onwa, who fell victim to gunmen’s violence on Sunday.

The tragic events unfolded as Awa, also the Chancellor of the Knights of St Mulumba, Okija Sub Council, was brutally murdered in Umudioka village’s market square, while Igwenagha met his untimely death due to an alleged land dispute in Isieke village.

On the same fateful day, a businessman was abducted at Nkwo Okija while driving home from a gathering.

Prior to these incidents, Okija stood out as a secure community in Ihiala Local Government Area, attracting neighboring communities for ceremonies like burials and weddings, thanks to the effective security measures implemented by its leadership.

Awa assumed the position of secretary of Okija following a town union election overseen by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Matters last year.

Until his unfortunate demise, Awa practiced law in Ihiala, where his wife, also a lawyer, narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt not long ago.

It was reported that Awa was in attendance at a village meeting shortly before his tragic end.

According to eyewitnesses, individuals he appeared to be familiar with engaged him in a conversation at Eke market in Umudioka village, which abruptly escalated into gunfire moments later, leading to his death.

The assailants swiftly fled the scene in a car after firing several shots at him.

Onwa’s murder, on the other hand, was linked to a prolonged land conflict in his village as he was a prominent figure in Umuezeulasi land issues, meeting his demise inside his residence.

Barrister Mike Ozulumba, a US-based attorney, expressed deep concern over the challenging times the community is currently facing.

“Within 24 hours, Okija has been shaken by two brutal killings. As we mourn the loss of Onwa in a suspected land dispute, the devastating news of the assassination of OPU Secretary, Barr Awah, in Umuohi Okija has left us in shock,” he stated.

“Adding to this sorrow, a kidnapping incident occurred at pipeline which is still under investigation. These are truly trying times for us,” Ozulumba added.

As of now, the Anambra State Police Command is yet to provide official confirmation regarding the incidents.