Ike Okolo, Others’ Murder Frighten Anambra

Stanley Emodi, Anambra

 

On a chilly Monday, Hon Ike Okolo was at the filling station to get fuel for his vehicle when a gang of unknown men gunned him down, eyewitnesses told PIJAlance.

 

Our correspondent noted that the perpetrators of the crime are still unknown.

 

Even, it is unclear if the killing was politically motivated or a result of personal animosity.

 

The news of Hon Ike Okolo’s death has shocked and saddened members of the Obosi community, as he was a well-respected and influential figure in the community, a source told PIJAlance. Many have called for a thorough investigation into the matter and for justice to be served.

 

The Anambra state police have launched an investigation into the killing and are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the perpetrators.

 

In the meantime, the community is mourning the loss of their beloved leader, Ike Okolo and calling for peace in the wake of this tragic incident.

 

The Killing Brought Timidity that Shudders the Community’s butt

 

The killing has been allegedly linked to a running cult issue. Two other victims were also reportedly shot dead in other parts of the community and this has made “Fear shuddered the community’s butt,” a source said.

 

The community in recent times has gained notoriety for frequent cult clashes and long drawn gang wars.

 

There have been series of cult related attacks in several communities in Anambra State for sometime now, but the violence seemed to have increased during the yuletide, Daily Post noted.

 

In Awka, one man was shot dead on January 2. While in Ifite, about two persons were also said to have been gunned down.

 

In Nodu, Okpuno community, four men sitting in Obi Maduka’s compound on New Year day, and being entertained by their host, were shot dead by suspected cultists.

 

The victims’ names were given as Onyiebo Okoye, Kenechukwu Okeke, Jude Ebenezar and Obinna Maduka.

 

The Killers of Ike Okolo will ‘at all cost’ sniff ‘wrath of law’ — Soludo

 

In a press release by the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, Soludo decried the incidents while adding that the perpetrators will be hunted down at all cost.

 

The statement reads: “The State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has condemned the cult-related war among rival groups and subsequent killings in Obosi and Okpuno in Idemili North and Awka South Council Areas respectively.

 

“Governor Soludo condemns these mindless killings in the strongest terms and has assured that the perpetrators will be apprehended and decisively dealt with, even if they have ran out of town. He stressed that they will be hunted down to face the full wrath of the law.”

 

He said that during this festive season, Anambra has enjoyed the best Christmas ever in decades as it was traffic-free with a new system of traffic control put in place by the government during the festive season, with Anambra Youth Volunteers and the State traffic management agency working 24 hours at all the critical points to control traffic.

 

“Monday that used to be observed as sit at home, witnessed massive outdoor activities, as the State bubbled with activities all over.

 

“Governor Soludo further reassured that the cult gangs that fought today will surely be tracked down and dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” he added.