‘Ndigbo losing its finest to attacks’ — south-east governors condemn killing of Chike Akunyili

The south-east governors’ forum has condemned the killing of Chike Akunyili, husband of the late Dora Akunyili, ex-minister of information and communications.

Akunyili was reportedly killed alongside his police escort and one Aloysius, identified as his driver, on Tuesday night at Umuoji, Idemili North LGA of Anambra state.

David Umahi, chairman of the forum, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed worry over how “how Ndigbo is now losing most of its finest to hoodlums in the zone”.

Umahi, in the statement by Francis Nwaze, his spokesman, commiserated with the people of Agulu, the Anambra government, and the entire region on the murder of Akunyili.

He appealed to security agencies to arrest all the perpetrators and ensure that they are made to face justice.

“On behalf of the Governors of the South-East, we condemn the act. It is not only barbaric, but it is also unbecoming how much human lives no longer matter in our society,” he said.

“We give security agencies a marching order to go all out to uncover and arrest all the perpetrators of this inhuman act and make them face justice.”

He also charged the people of the region to collaborate with relevant security apparatus, including the Ebubeagu regional security outfit, to stamp out insecurity in the zone.

In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) says it has no hand in the killing of the late Akunyili.

A viral social media video had claimed that the DSS was responsible for the attack on the medical doctor.

But Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, in a statement, described the claim as “spurious and illogical”.

“The attention of the service has been drawn to an allegation that its operatives killed Dr Chike Akunyili,” Afunanya said.

“It was also alleged that the DSS murdered security escorts at Nkpor, in Anambra, on 28th September 2021.

“The service hereby denies these allegations and wishes to clearly state that they are spurious and illogical.

“There was no basis for the DSS to kill the medical doctor and/or fellow law enforcement agents. The service cherishes life and believes in the rule of law.

“The public should be wary of the false narratives by those desirous of using it (the Service), to cover up their heinous acts. The operations of these hostile elements are already well known in the public space and to the discerning.”

He said the service and its sister agencies will not relent in tracking down those behind the breakdown of law and order.