A lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Dr. Fabian Osita, was fatally shot on Monday night by unidentified members of a suspected car-snatching syndicate. The tragic incident occurred near the high-tension area in Aroma, Awka, the capital of Anambra State, as the lecturer was returning home from work.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants intercepted Dr. Osita’s vehicle and attempted to steal it. When the lecturer resisted, he was shot in the head and died on the spot.
A source at the scene of the attack said, “The armed men ambushed his Toyota Corolla as he was driving. He tried to resist their attempt to take the car, but they shot him in the head. Sadly, he died instantly, and the attackers fled with the vehicle, leaving his body behind.”
The incident has heightened fears over growing insecurity in the area, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Concerned residents are advising individuals to prioritize their safety when confronted with such incidents.
Following the attack, a correspondent who visited UNIZIK confirmed that the deceased was a lecturer in the institution’s Business Department. The university community has been thrown into mourning over the sudden loss.
UNIZIK’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the lecturer’s death, stating that the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. on Monday. According to Chukwurah, “It was a case of car snatching. The attackers shot him when he resisted. Dr. Osita was an academic staff member in the Business Department, and his death has deeply affected the university community. It is important to note that the attack occurred outside the university premises.”
The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. He stated that investigations have begun to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Ikenga revealed that the attackers made away with the lecturer’s ash-colored 2006 Toyota Corolla, bearing Enugu State license plates. He further extended condolences to Dr. Osita’s family and the university management, while appealing to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.
“The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the murder of Dr. Fabian Osita, who was shot by unidentified gunmen on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Aroma Junction. The suspects fled with his vehicle,” Ikenga said.
He urged anyone with useful information about the vehicle or the suspects to contact the nearest police station or reach the command’s control room via 07039194332 or the PPRO on 08039334002. The police assured the public that updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
