Soludo Mourns Beheaded Lawmaker, Puts N10m Bounty On Killers
BY ONYEKACHUKWU IBEZIM – Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State says heinous crimes must no longer thrive in the State, vowing that justice will be served on those that killed and beheaded lawmaker, Okechukwu Okoye.
The governor, who expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, said perpetrators of the evil act must pay dearly for their crime, warning that Anambra cannot be a safe haven for criminals.
Okoye, a lawmaker representing Aguata 11 Constituency, and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka, were abducted by gunmen on Saturday, May 15, 2022, but the lawmaker’s head was seen without his body on Saturday, May 21 at Nnobi in Idemili North Local Government Area council.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, the governor said the wicked criminality will not cow the state in ridding Anambra of criminals, even as the State government has placed a N10 million bounty on the killers.
The statement said; “Prof Soludo has received with shock and deep sadness the news of the gruesome murder of Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, a member representing Aguata II Constituency at the State House of Assembly, and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka.
“Both Hon Okoye and Cyril Chiegboka were kidnapped on the road by the heartless and barbaric murderers on 15th May. Governor Soludo condoles with his kinsmen of Isuofia, noting that it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that are once again on the prowl. But they can never cow Isuofia and Anambra State.
“Governor Soludo…vowed that the perpetrators, as well as all criminals operating in Anambra, must be decisively brought to book. He has placed a N10 million reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
“Anambra will win against the forces of darkness.”
In their reaction, the Speaker, Uche Okafor, and members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, also expressed shock over the gruesome murder of their colleague, Hon Okoye.
Meanwhile, gunmen have also killed a mother, her four children, and two other persons in what reports described as another black Sunday in Anambra State.
Of the seven persons reportedly killed in various locations in the state, four were siblings with their mother also among the dead in an attack that took place at Isulo in Orumba North Local Government council.
The other two persons were killed at Abatete in Idemili North council and a source hinted that the gunmen invaded the areas unannounced, opened fire on the victims, and left immediately.
The State Police Command spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, who could not readily confirm the incident, said details were still sketchy but promised the Command would formally speak on incidents today, Monday, May 23, 2022, after getting a clearer picture of what actually transpired.
