Gunmen abduct, kill well-known Anambra business man

DDM NEWS

Gunmen

A tragic incident occurred in Anambra State, Nigeria, where gunmen abducted and killed a well-known businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet.”

The incident happened on Saturday, July 27, 2025, at Onyekere’s residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area.

The gunmen, who arrived in an ash-colored Lexus SUV, broke into Onyekere’s compound, shot him in the leg, and took him away in his navy blue Toyota Corolla.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the attackers had trailed Onyekere before launching the violent attack.

The gunmen escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia, firing gunshots into the air and triggering panic in the area.

Despite a ransom being paid, the gunmen went ahead to kill Onyekere, and his lifeless body was later found by the roadside in Awka.

The exact amount paid as ransom was not disclosed, but the killing has drawn parallels with other recent abduction cases in the state where victims were killed despite ransom payments.

The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the armed men, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, directing all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down the perpetrators.

The police have recovered Onyekere’s vehicle, which the assailants used to flee the scene, and have assured the public that justice will be served.

The murder has sparked public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka, with many calling for urgent action to protect lives and property in the state.

The incident has also raised concerns about rising insecurity in the state and across Nigeria’s South-east region.

Onyekere was a successful entrepreneur and the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, a barbecue firm in Anambra State.

He was also the only son of Chinyere Onyekesi, the Women Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State.

According to a report preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot in the leg and forcibly taken away.

“He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka.”

According to Ikenga, the CP, while condemning the killing, assured that the criminal elements behind this cowardly act will be brought to book.

“He further stated that the Police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the Law. Further developments would be communicated accordingly,” he added

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