Just when it appears as if normalcy is returning to Anambra State what with the efforts of the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and his team to rid the state of all manner of bandits and miscreants, the state was once more thrown into a panic situation with the killing of an army major, Saturday, by some unknown gunmen.
The army officer,, Major Churchill Orji, who hails from Agulu in Anambra State, was reportedly shot dead by some as ‘unidentified gunmen in Azia/Ukpor in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state
Although the details of the murder are still sketchy, some broadcast media in the state have confirmed the report.
According to reports by a newspaper house, a broadcaster with the Anambra State broadcast station, Ugochukwu Afoekele spoke with some correspondents claiming:
“Our brother Major Churchill Orji, you paid the price defending our dear State from bandits and unknown gunmen yesterday at Azia/Ukpor. Your efforts shall never be in vain. Agulu mourns,” he wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday.
There is palpable fear among members of the community where the incident occurred as residents fear soldiers would soon invade their homes and deal with them over the murder of the top Army personnel.
Violence, killings and arson attacks had escalated in the southeast region in recent times, with many accusing members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of being behind the violence. The groups have however denied any involvement.
Apart from the senseless killings, government facilities such as police stations and offices belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also attacked and some set ablaze.