By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen behind the abduction and gruesome killing of Mr. Ifesinachi Onyekere, an Awka-based fish dealer, popularly known as “Fish Magnet”, who was kidnapped in the state on Sunday, July 27, and was later found dead
According to a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, the State Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, has directed all tactical and intelligence units of the Command to intensify efforts in tracking down the criminal elements responsible for the heinous act. The CP gave the directive in response to the worrisome development and as part of measures to ensure justice is served.
According to the statement, the late Onyekere, a prominent fish dealer and Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, was abducted at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of the State. He was reportedly trailed by the assailants who, during the violent invasion, shot him in the leg and forcefully whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The Police Spokesman said a Joint Security Team, comprising Police and Anambra State Vigilante operatives, later recovered the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla which the kidnappers used to escape, along the Ukwulu/Igbariam road axis.
Preliminary investigations, as disclosed in the police statement, revealed that the attackers had closely monitored the businessman before executing their attack. His lifeless body was eventually found days later, plunging the Awka community and beyond into grief and disbelief.
While condemning the brutal killing, CP Orutugu reiterated the Command’s resolve to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to book. He reassured the general public that the Command would not relent in its commitment to protect the lives and property of residents of the state, adding that the Police owe it to the family of the deceased, the people of Anambra State, and the memory of the slain entrepreneur to deliver justice.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Nigerian social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, broke down in tears upon hearing of the businessman’s death. In a video posted to his official Facebook page, the controversial activist expressed deep sorrow and decried what he described as alarming rate of insecurity in Nigeria today by youths who chose criminality over genuine and decent means of making money.
The visibly emotional VeryDarkMan decried the killing of entrepreneurs and hardworking Nigerians, noting that it poses a grave threat to economic progress and youth empowerment in the country. He questioned the fate of young people who strive to build legitimate businesses in a society where criminals go unchecked.
He announced his intention to visit Anambra State on August 4 for a candlelight procession in honour of the slain businessman. According to him, the planned event will avoid clashing with the state’s sit-at-home restrictions.
He said: “The kidnapping and killings in this country is too much. What is the hope of the entrepreneurs, what is the hope of those going into business in Nigeria? I will be coming to Anambra State maybe on the 4th then maybe we can do a candle light when it will not clash with the sit-at-home in the state.”
“We will walk in the fish market and do some awareness and campaigns against kidnappings and other forms criminal activities going on in Anambra State. This madness must stop,” he concluded.
