By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has strongly condemned the gruesome murder of Barrister Ifeanyi Iloakasia, the President-General of Aguleri community, describing it as a cowardly and senseless act of violence against peace and leadership in the state.
The late Iloakasia, a practicing lawyer and community leader, was reportedly attacked and murdered alongside his client on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at a location near the Agulu–Nanka boundary in the state. The tragic development has since thrown the Aguleri community and many others into mourning.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, on Saturday, Governor Soludo expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the incident, noting that the late President-General was widely respected as a devoted advocate of peace and development in his community and beyond.
The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Aguleri, and the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), describing the killing as not just an attack on an individual, but on the very spirit of community leadership and grassroots development in the state.
While assuring the public that the perpetrators of the heinous act would not go unpunished, the Governor revealed that security agencies had already swung into action to track down and apprehend those behind the attack. He assured that justice would be served, and also urged the citizens not to lose faith in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality in the state.
“This government takes the matter with the utmost seriousness,” Soludo stated, “and we are working with relevant security agencies to ensure that the fleeing killers are caught and brought to justice.”
In a related development, the Governor also commended the resilience and gallantry of the security operatives who successfully repelled an armed attack on a security checkpoint in his town, Isuofia, where the security operatives thwarted the intentions of the gunmen.
The foiled attack, which occurred in the late hours of the day, reportedly resulted in the death of one security personnel and the destruction of a patrol vehicle. However, two of the gunmen were gunned down by the security operatives during the fierce exchange of gunfire.
While mourning the fallen officer and condoling with his relatives, Governor Soludo hailed the courage of the security team in withstanding the attack and preventing what could have been a more disastrous situation. He reassured the people of Isuofia and surrounding communities that calm had been restored and that security patrols had been reinforced in the area.
“While mourning the loss of one of the gallant officers during the confrontation, it is however reassuring that calm has returned to the area, and security operations have been intensified to ensure the continued safety of our communities.
“Therefore, Governor Soludo deeply empathised with all those affected by these recent sad incidents and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.
“He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate fully with security agencies as we work tirelessly together to eliminate the scourge of violence in Anambra State,” the statement concluded.
