Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has condemned the killing of the President-General of Umuoji community in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Silas Onyima.
The governor stated this in a press statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Monday.
Soludo said he received with deep concern and immense sadness the news of the brutal assassination of Onyima, which occurred on Friday night.
He said he has therefore directed the state security agencies to take “immediate and decisive action” to apprehend the culprits and ensure swift prosecution of those responsible to deter future recurrences.
Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen suspected to be assassins had invaded the resident of the deceased on Friday and killed him.
It was gathered that the hoodlums shot him right in the bathroom while he was taking his bath, after inflicting several matchete cuts on him.
The incident, according to a source, threw the community into panic forcing the residents to desert major roads and the Eke market in the community which used to bubble with activities was also scanty on Saturday.
While reacting to the development through the statement, the governor said, “On behalf of the good people of Anambra State, the state government unreservedly condemns this heinous act of unprovoked violence.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Onyima, the Umuoji community, and the entire Idemili North Local Government Area.
“This senseless killing represents an affront to the peace and security we are collectively working to build in Anambra State, and we have vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to justice.
“The state security agencies have been directed to take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the culprits and ensure swift prosecution of those responsible to deter future recurrences.”
Meanwhile, the state government said it is fully committed to the security of lives and properties in the state and will not be deterred by the acts of criminals who seek to disrupt the peace and progress of our land
“We call on all Anambra residents to remain calm and law-abiding as we continue to work together with security agencies to keep the perpetrators of violent crimes away from our communities and state,” it added.
Although, the Anambra State Police Command said it had launched a manhunt for the killers of the deceased, however, more than about three days after the incident, no arrest has been announced yet.
The deceased killing will bring to about seven the number of president-generals of communities that have been killed in recent times.
Some of these communities whose PGs were murdered include those of Nimo in Njikoka LGA, Omor in Ayamelum LGA, Orom in Etiti Anambra West LGA, Nanka in Orumba North LGA and Obosi in Idemili North LGA.
