The assassination of Chief Silas Onyima, the President-General of the Umuoji community in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been denounced by the state’s governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The governor made this claim in a press release on Monday that was sent out by Christian Aburime, his press secretary.
When he learned of Onyima’s brutal Friday night assassination, Soludo said he was filled with both great concern and sadness.
Therefore, he said, he has ordered the state security agencies to take “immediate and decisive action” to capture the offenders and guarantee prompt prosecution of those accountable in order to prevent future recurrences.
The deceased’s residence was broken into on Friday by a group of unidentified gunmen who are thought to be assassins, and they killed him.
After cutting him multiple times with a machete, it was reported that the thugs shot him in the bathroom while he was taking a bath.
A source claims that the incident caused the community to go into panic, forcing people to avoid main thoroughfares. The Eke market, which used to be a hub of activity, was also empty on Saturday.”
On behalf of the good people of Anambra State, the state government unreservedly condemns this heinous act of unprovoked violence,” the governor said in response to the development.
“To the Onyima family, the Umuoji community, and the entire Idemili North Local Government Area, we offer our sincere condolences.”We have vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of this senseless killing are brought to justice because it is an affront to the peace and security we are all working to build in Anambra State.”
“In order to prevent future recurrences, the state security agencies have been directed to take swift and decisive action to apprehend the culprits and ensure swift prosecution of those responsible.”
In the meantime, the state government declared that it is totally dedicated to ensuring the safety of people and property within the state and that it will not be dissuaded by criminal activity aimed at upsetting the tranquility and advancement of our nation.
The statement went on, “We urge all Anambra citizens to maintain composure and abide by the law as we continue to collaborate with security agencies to keep the offenders of violent crimes away from our communities and state.
“Even though the Anambra State Police Command declared that it had begun a manhunt for the deceased’s killers, no arrests have been made as of more than three days following the incident.
With this latest killing, the total number of community presidents and generals slain in recent years will be approximately seven.
The communities 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 are among those whose PGs were killed.