Some yet-to-be-identified members of a car-snatching syndicate have reportedly shot and killed Dr. Fabian Osita, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
The incident occurred on Monday night near the High-Tension area in Aroma, Awka, as the victim was driving home from work.
According to Punch Online, an eyewitness accounts the assailants ambushed Dr. Osita’s vehicle in an attempt to steal it. However, when he resisted, they shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
A witness said, “Yes, he was shot dead along the High-Tension area on Monday evening. It’s being said he was a lecturer at UNIZIK and originally from Nteje. The armed men double-crossed his Toyota Corolla, and when he tried to resist the carjacking, they shot him in the head. He died on the spot.”
The source further explained that the attackers abandoned the lecturer’s body and fled the scene with his car. “By the time help could arrive, he was already dead. The growing insecurity in Awka, especially within the capital territory, is alarming. People should prioritize their lives and avoid resistance if targeted.”
A visit to UNIZIK on Tuesday confirmed that the deceased was a lecturer in the Business Department. The university’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, corroborated the incident, stating that Dr. Osita was killed around 7:30 pm on Monday.
Chukwurah said, “Yes, he was shot at the High-Tension area in Aroma during a car-snatching incident. The attackers attempted to steal his Toyota Corolla, but when he resisted, they shot him. He was an academic staff member in the Business Department. The entire university community is in mourning, though the incident occurred outside the campus. The matter has already been reported to the Department of State Services (DSS).”
In response to the rising insecurity, Chukwurah added that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at UNIZIK are planning to protest at the Anambra State Government House to express their concerns.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the incident, stating that investigations have commenced to track down the perpetrators.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the murder of Mr. Fabian Osita. Preliminary reports indicate that he was shot by unidentified gunmen on December 16, 2024, at around 10:10 pm at Aroma Junction. The attackers fled with his car, a 2006 Toyota Corolla, ash-colored, with an Enugu State plate number.”
The police spokesperson extended condolences to Dr. Osita’s family, friends, and the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He urged members of the public, especially eyewitnesses, to provide any useful information that could assist the investigation.
“We call on anyone with information about the attackers or the stolen vehicle to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s control room at 07039194332 or the PPRO at 08039334002. Updates on the case will be provided as investigations progress.”
