Anambra Businessman Killed By Gunmen Despite Ransom Payment

Unidentified gunmen have killed a well-known businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet”, despite a ransom payment of an undisclosed amount.

Onyekere, the son of a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State, was abducted during a late-night attack on Saturday at his home in Ezinifite community, Okpuno, Awka South LGA.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community as armed assailants shot Onyekere in the leg before forcibly taking him away in his own car.

According to a local source, the kidnappers arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV around 10:30 p.m., forced their way into the victim’s compound, and fled in the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla after shooting him.

“The attackers escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia, firing gunshots into the air, which caused widespread panic,” the source added.

“Local volunteers and security groups launched a search effort, while authorities tried to trace the victim’s phone to contact the kidnappers.”

Onyekere was held captive for three days. Though a ransom was reportedly paid, the kidnappers killed him instead. His body was found lifeless by the roadside on Wednesday morning. The source described him as young, hard-working, and passionate about his thriving fish business.

State Police Command Spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the killing in a statement, noting that joint security forces have recovered the victim’s vehicle along Ukwulu/Igbariam road.

Police Commissioner CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and murder. Preliminary investigations suggest the assailants had been tracking Onyekere before the attack.

The killing has sparked public outrage and deep concern among Awka residents. CP Orutugu condemned the act and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

“The police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law,” Ikenga stated, promising to provide updates as the investigation progresses.