Tragedy struck on Monday night as Dr. Fabian Osita, a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, was shot dead in a carjacking incident in the High-Tension area of Aroma, Awka, while returning home from work. The incident has left the university community and locals devastated.
According to reports from Punch Online, the car-snatching syndicate ambushed Dr. Osita’s vehicle in an attempt to steal it. However, when the victim resisted, the assailants shot him in the head, killing him instantly. Eyewitnesses say the attackers double-crossed his Toyota Corolla, and upon his attempt to resist the carjacking, he was shot at close range. The perpetrators fled with his car, leaving Dr. Osita’s lifeless body at the scene.
A witness who spoke about the tragedy said, “Yes, he was shot dead along the High-Tension area on Monday evening. It’s being said he was a lecturer at UNIZIK and originally from Nteje. The armed men double-crossed his Toyota Corolla, and when he tried to resist the carjacking, they shot him in the head. He died on the spot.” The witness further expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Awka, particularly in the capital city, advising people to avoid resistance if targeted in similar incidents.
A visit to UNIZIK confirmed that Dr. Osita was indeed a lecturer in the Business Department. The university’s Chief Security Officer, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed the tragic event, stating that Dr. Osita was shot at approximately 7:30 pm on Monday during the car-snatching attempt. “Yes, he was shot at the High-Tension area in Aroma during a car-snatching incident. The attackers attempted to steal his Toyota Corolla, but when he resisted, they shot him. He was an academic staff member in the Business Department. The entire university community is in mourning, though the incident occurred outside the campus. The matter has already been reported to the Department of State Services (DSS),” Chukwurah added.
In light of the incident, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members at UNIZIK are reportedly planning a protest at the Anambra State Government House to voice their concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region. The incident has sparked outrage and deep concern about the safety of residents and university staff in the area.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the carjacking and subsequent murder of Dr. Osita. In a statement, he stated, “The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into the murder of Mr. Fabian Osita. Preliminary reports indicate that he was shot by unidentified gunmen on December 16, 2024, at around 10:10 pm at Aroma Junction. The attackers fled with his car, a 2006 Toyota Corolla, ash-colored, with an Enugu State plate number.”
Ikenga further expressed condolences on behalf of the police to Dr. Osita’s family, friends, and the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, urging the public to assist in the investigation. “We call on anyone with information about the attackers or the stolen vehicle to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s control room at 07039194332 or the PPRO at 08039334002. Updates on the case will be provided as investigations progress.”
