Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State condemned the assassination of Chief Silas Onyima, the President-General of the Umuoji community in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
This was made known by a news statement released on Monday, by Christian Aburime, the governor’s press secretary.
When he learned about Onyima’s gruesome Friday night assassination, Soludo said he was filled with both great anxiety and despair.
In order to prevent the reoccurence of such incidents in the future, he said he has instructed the state security agencies to take “immediate and decisive action” to capture the offenders and guarantee prompt punishment of those involved.
The deceased’s residence was broken into on Friday by a group of unidentified assailants who are thought to be assassins, and they murdered him.
After cutting him multiple times with a machete, it was reported that the thugs shot him in the bathtub while he was taking a bath.
A source said that the incident caused the neighborhood to go into panic, leading people to avoid main thoroughfares. The Eke market, which used to be a hub of activity, was also empty on Saturday.
The governor issued the following statement in response to the events: “The state government unreservedly condemns this heinous act of unprovoked violence on behalf of the good people of Anambra State.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Onyima, the Umuoji community, and the entire Idemili North Local Government Area.
“This senseless killing represents an affront to the peace and security we are collectively working to build in Anambra State, and we have vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to justice.
“The state security agencies have been directed to take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the culprits and ensure swift prosecution of those responsible to deter future recurrences.”
“We call on all Anambra residents to remain calm and law-abiding as we continue to work together with security agencies to keep the perpetrators of violent crimes away from our communities and state,” it added.
Since 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 tragedy.
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.
