A prominent Anambra businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet,” has been brutally murdered by kidnappers despite his family paying an undisclosed ransom.
The victim, son of an All Progressives Grand Alliance chieftain, was abducted during a late-night attack at his Ezinifite community residence in Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area on Saturday.
According to Vanguard, eyewitnesses reported that armed assailants stormed Onyekere’s compound in an ash-colored Lexus SUV around 10:30 pm, shot him in the leg, and fled with him in his navy blue Toyota Corolla.
“The attackers forced their way into the compound and escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia while firing gunshots into the air,” a local source revealed.
Community vigilante groups immediately launched search operations while authorities attempted to trace the victim’s phone.
Tragically, after three days in captivity and despite ransom payment, Onyekere’s lifeless body was discovered dumped by the roadside on Wednesday morning.
“He was young, hardworking, full of promise, known for his passion and thriving fish business,” the distraught source lamented.
Anambra Police Command spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, stating that joint security teams had recovered the victim’s vehicle along Ukwulu/Igbariam road. “Preliminary investigations revealed the assailants trailed the victim before launching the violent attack,” Ikenga said. The police commissioner has ordered tactical units to intensify efforts to apprehend the killers.
Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu condemned the murder, vowing that perpetrators would face justice. “We 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 quoted the CP as saying. The killing has sparked outrage across Awka, with residents calling for improved security measures.