Chike Akunyili, husband to late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili has been reportedly murdered by unknown gunmen on Tuesday at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
News Echo gathered that it was a case of mistaken identity as the deceased was not the target. “He was not the target but ran into them. When they saw his police escort they opened fire. We are killing our best,” a source said.
According to source who pleaded anonymity, the deceased had earlier attended a function same day in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state where he was honored by University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch. “I was with this man same yesterday at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. It was an occasion of University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch event where they honoured late Dora Akunyili.
“He spoke glowingly about Dora and made a donation of N500,000 to the association. He was there with his son, Obum now working with Anambra state government.
“We saw them off to the car and it was emotional when Obum hugged him tight as both of them separated to join their respective vehicles. Obum was in a white Hilux while the man was in a Jeep,” the man narrated. However, efforts to confirm the incident from the Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.
