Dr. Fabian Osita, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, was shot dead during a carjacking incident in Anambra State.

The attack occurred on Monday night near the high-tension area in Aroma, Awka, as the lecturer was driving home from work.

Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified gunmen intercepted his vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, and shot him in the head when he resisted their attempt to steal the car.

According to reports, the armed men double-crossed his car and tried to snatch it. He resisted, and unfortunately, they shot him in the head, killing him instantly. They abandoned his body and fled with the vehicle.

Dr. Osita, who lectured in the Business Department at UNIZIK, was mourned by his colleagues and the university community.

The institution’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the incident and stated that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at UNIZIK were planning to protest the rising insecurity in Awka.

Chukwurah added that the incident happened at about 7:30 pm on Monday in Aroma. It was a case of car snatching. The loss has left the university in mourning. It is important to note that the killing occurred outside the campus.

The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the incident. Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Ikenga said, “Anambra State Police Command has begun the investigation over the murder of Mr Fabian Osita. Information revealed that Osita, a staff of the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe was shot by yet unidentified gunmen yesterday 16/12/2024 at 10:10 pm at Aroma Junction.

“The murders also made away with his car, a Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number. To this end, the Command while condoling his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to please come forward in this regard.

“The command also urged members of the public who might have seen the vehicle or any such to report to the closest police station or call the command control room number on 07039194332 or PPRO on 08039334002. Further development shall be communicated, please.”

The police assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations unfold.

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has issued a stern warning to the Lakuruwa sect, urging them to surrender immediately.

This call comes as the Nigerian military, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has launched a decisive crackdown on the terrorists.

According to Chief Isaac Ikpa, Executive Secretary of CESJET, the fleeing members of the sect should surrender early while there is still an opportunity for pardon.

He said continuing down the path of violence would only lead to their destruction, hence he advised them to turn a new leaf.

Ikpa warned the sect that General Musa and the troops mean business and his strategic deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States has yielded significant successes, with numerous terrorists killed, captured, or forced to flee.

“The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) is calling on the Lakuruwa sect to surrender now and take advantage of the pardon offered. This call comes as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Nigerian military have taken decisive action against the sect,” the statement said.

“We urge the Lakuruwa sect to surrender early, while there is still an opportunity for pardon. Continuing down the path of violence will only lead to destruction and loss of life. We advise them to take advantage of the government’s offer and surrender now.

“However, we must warn the terrorists that General Musa and the troops mean business. The strategic deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States has yielded unprecedented successes, and the troops will not hesitate to take action against those who refuse to surrender.”

Applauding General Musa’s leadership in the fight against insurgency has been commendable, Ikpa noted that the CDS has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting innocent citizens and their properties.

He said his troops have shown remarkable professionalism in their operations and CESJET expects this momentum to continue.

“The CDS has shown unparalleled dedication to the safety and security of Nigeria. Under his guidance, the troops have made significant gains against the Lakuruwa sect, bandits and we expect this momentum to continue,” the statement added.

“The numbers speak for themselves: numerous terrorists have been killed, many more have been captured, and their camps have been destroyed. The Lakuruwa sect is on the back foot, and it is only a matter of time before they are completely defeated.

Once again, we caution the Lakuruwa sect that their actions will not be tolerated. They must surrender now or face extinction. “

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a woman, Blessing Ibuku, who is accused of murdering her 10-month-old child, Prevail Jonathan, by throwing the baby into a river.

It was gathered that she confessed to the crime, telling the police that she threw her child into the river on November 31, 2024, after being mocked by her friends.

The disappearance of the child was initially reported to the police on December 4, 2024.

However, during the investigation, the police received a tip-off about a child’s body being found floating in the Aviara community river.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to journalists in Asaba on Tuesday.

Olufemi explained that when the dead child was brought to the station, it was discovered that it was the body of the same missing child.

He said, “The suspect confessed during investigation that she threw the baby away because her friends and other girls were making jest of her that the child did not have a father.”

Olufemi added that the suspect will be arraigned in court as soon as possible.