A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Dr. Fabian Osita, was tragically shot dead on Monday night during a carjacking attempt in the high-tension area of Aroma, Awka, Anambra State.
Dr. Osita, who was a faculty member in the Business Department of UNIZIK, was driving home from work when the assailants attempted to steal his vehicle. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen double-crossed his Toyota Corolla and tried to forcefully take the car. In an attempt to resist, Dr. Osita was shot in the head and died instantly. The assailants abandoned his body at the scene and fled with his car.
A source close to the incident stated, “He was shot dead along the high-tension road yesterday evening. Some people have confirmed that he was a lecturer at UNIZIK, and originally from Nteje. He was shot in the head while trying to resist the carjacking, and unfortunately, he died on the spot.”
The security situation in the area has raised concern, with the source urging people to prioritize their safety during the Yuletide season, advising that carjacking victims should surrender their vehicles to avoid harm.
Dr. Osita’s death has cast a pall over the UNIZIK community, with faculty members mourning the loss of their colleague. The Chief Security Officer of UNIZIK, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed that the shooting occurred around 7:30 pm on Monday and described the incident as a case of car snatching. He added that the incident happened outside the university premises but has been reported to the Department of State Services (DSS).
The incident has prompted members of the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to plan a protest at the Government House in Awka to voice their concerns over the escalating insecurity in the city.
Anambra State police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the details of the incident and assured that an investigation had been launched. He also extended condolences to the family of Dr. Osita and the UNIZIK community.
Ikenga urged anyone with relevant information regarding the crime to come forward, particularly those who may have witnessed the incident or seen the stolen vehicle. He also provided police contact details for the public to report any sightings of the car, a 2006 ash-colored Toyota Corolla with Enugu state license plates.
The police have promised to provide updates on the investigation as new information emerges.
