A tragic incident unfolded in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, where a final-year student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, was allegedly shot dead by security operatives. The 27-year-old student, identified as Noel Okechukwu, was killed on August 17, 2024, at Senator Stella Oduah’s Estate in Akili-Ozizor Community......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
According to reports, the fatal shooting occurred when local vigilante operatives attached to the estate accused Okechukwu of being involved in looting and vandalizing property within the estate. However, the student’s family has disputed this claim, stating that he was merely on his way to buy fresh fish when the incident occurred.
Rex Okechukwu, the victim’s father, recounted the events leading to his son’s death.
“Noel was heading to the estate to purchase fish when he was stopped at the gate by the security guards. An altercation ensued, during which one of the guards shot him,” he explained.
“After shooting him, they tried to revive him by giving him water, but he died shortly after.”
The distraught father has since filed a petition with the Divisional Police Officer at the Ogbaru Police Division, Atani, demanding justice for his son. The petition alleges that the security guards had no legal right to take his son’s life and calls for accountability.
Responding to the petition, the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. I. Andrew, confirmed the receipt of the complaint but presented a different account of the events.
“The report we have indicates that the deceased was part of a group involved in looting and vandalizing property in the estate. When confronted by the guards, they allegedly opened fire, prompting the guards to return fire, which resulted in his death,” the DPO stated.
The case has now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. As the investigation continues, the grieving family is calling for justice, insisting that their son was wrongfully killed.