The Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, is mourning the tragic murder of one of its lecturers, Dr. Fabian Osita, who was shot dead by suspected car thieves.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the incident occurred around 7:30 pm on Monday, 16th December 2024, near the high-tension area of Aroma in Awka, as Dr. Osita was driving home from work.
A source at the scene reported that the assailants blocked the victim’s vehicle in an attempt to steal it. When Dr. Osita resisted, he was shot in the head and died instantly.
The witness stated, “Yes, he was shot dead along that high-tension location yesterday evening. There are reports that he lectured in the Business Department of UNIZIK and hailed from Nteje.
“The armed men obstructed his Toyota Corolla as he was driving and tried to snatch it. Unfortunately, he resisted, and they shot him in the head, killing him on the spot.
“The criminals abandoned his body and fled in his vehicle. He was already deceased before help arrived. The insecurity in this area, within the capital territory, is becoming alarming, and people should take extra care this festive season. If they come for your car, surrender it. Our lives are far more valuable.”
Ken Chukwurah, the Chief Security Officer of the institution, confirmed the shooting at approximately 7:30 pm on Monday in the high-tension area of Aroma.
Chukwurah added that members of the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were preparing to go to the Government House in Awka to voice their concerns regarding the increasing insecurity in the city.
“Yes, he was shot dead at around 7:30 pm on Monday at the high-tension area of Aroma. This was a case of carjacking; the assailants attempted to take his Toyota Corolla, and when he resisted, they shot him,” he explained.
“He was on the academic staff of the Business Department. The entire university community is in mourning. It’s important to highlight that he was killed outside the university premises. The incident has been reported to the Department of State Services (DSS).”
Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation has been launched to track down the killers.
Ikenga expressed condolences to Dr. Osita’s family, particularly to the management of UNIZIK, and urged any eyewitnesses or members of the public with information to come forward to assist with the investigation.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the murder of Mr. Fabian Osita. Reports indicate that Osita, a staff member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, was shot at Aroma Junction on 16th December 2024 around 10:10 pm.
“The assailants also made off with his 2006 model, ash-coloured Corolla, bearing an Enugu plate number. In this regard, the Command extends its condolences to his family and friends, particularly the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and urges anyone with relevant information to come forward.
“We also encourage the public to report any sightings of the vehicle or any pertinent information to the nearest police station or to call the command control room at 07039194332 or the PPRO at 08039334002. Further updates will be communicated as they become available.”
