Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen have shot and killed an Abakaliki-based business man, Issac Nnaemeka Chukwu, a week to his wedding.
Mr Chukwu, who was dealing in provisions, was killed by suspected assassins in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State on Monday night .
The deceased who was popularly known as Ochudo hailed from Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
He had concluded arrangements for his wedding to his fiancé, Favour Chioma, who was said to be with him when the gunmen attacked and killed him.
A relative who quoted the wife-to-be said that Mr Chukwu was shot at night after closing one of his shops as he made to enter his car.
“He had a shop at International Market where he was dealing in provisions. He owned another joint at Chukwuma Ofeke Street Ameke Aba.
“The incident according to the wife-to-be happened about 9:00pm when they closed shop and about to enter their vehicle.
“Some boys accosted them, first shot into the air, then ordered the guy to lie down and then shot him three times, collected the fiance’s phone and left”, the source said.
The pre-wedding pictures with the fiancee have gone viral on social media following his death.
Their wedding invitation sighted by Ikengaonline shows that the Traditional Wedding was to take place on April 21, at the compound of the father of the fiance in Amaiyima Ekpelu, in Ikwo local government.
The white wedding was slated for April 23, at Pastoral Centre, Mile 50 Abakaliki, with reception at International Conference Centre(ICC) Abakaliki.
The Police Spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah, said she was not aware of the incident.
She, however, promised to get back to our Reporter after contacting the officer in-charge of the area. But she was yet to do so at press time.
Chukwu’s death highlights the growing insecurity and crime rates in the five South-eastern states of Nigeria.
Despite the formation of Ebubeagu Security Network to complement the efforts of security agencies in crime fighting, killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes have continued to rise in the region.
