The pain and indignation have wrapped the community of Nimo in the area of the local government of Njikoka of the state of Anambra after the brutal murder of a leading traditional head and community leader, the high chief Ogbuefi Ozo Nnayelugo Nimo Nimo, popularly known as High Chief Gbafankiti Nimo.
The respected elder statesman, who was a member of the prestigious real cabinet of Nimo, was kidnapped in his farm by armed men suspected of being kidnapped.
According to the accounts of eyewitnesses, the masked assailants broke into the farm, causing panic among the workers who fled the scene, leaving the high vulnerable boss.
It was taken to gunpoint.
Despite the payment reported by a rescue of N15 million to ensure their release, the kidnappers killed him.
His lifeless body, with deep machete cuts in the head, was then found thrown into the same farmland where he was kidnapped, a chilling end that has sent shock waves through the community.
A source in the community described the incident as “barbarian and meaningless”, lamenting that even after the rescue was paid, the perpetrators still chose to take their lives from the venerated old man.
Security agents have cordoned off from the area, and investigations are underway to locate those behind the atrocious act.
At the time of the publication, the Anambra State Police command has not yet published an official statement.
The late chief Gbafankiti was widely known for his wisdom, generosity and commitment to peace and development in Nimo.
His sudden and horrible death has left a painful vacuum that many say it will be difficult to fill.
The community is asking the security agencies and the government of the state of Anambra to ensure that the murderers are taken before justice and take urgent measures to stop the growing wave of violent crimes in the area.