Major Churchill Orji of the Nigerian Army has been shot dead by Unknown Gunmen in the troubled Azia axis of Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Late Major Orji hailed from Agulu, Anaocha LGA of Anambra State, the hometown of the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Ob.
Sources confirmed that the Nigerian Army officer was killed while in an operation in of the state.
A schoolmate of the deceased, Leonard Edu, confirmed the development in a tribute.
According to Edu, “he was my senior in Agulu Boys Secondary School, our Labour Prefect then. It’s true he was killed by unknown gunmen at Azia, in Ihiala.
“Rest in peace my brother from Nneogidi village, Agulu, Major Churchil Orji killed yesterday (Sunday) at Azia/Ukpor defending the South-East from the marauders.”
Another source said, “An Anambra indigene, Major C Orji, was killed in Ihiala/Azia axis by Unknown Gunmen. Father (God), we are at your mercy in Anambra State. May the soul of Major C Orji rest in peace.”
When contacted on the telephone, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was yet to receive a report about the incident.
Ihiala axis, bordering Imo State, where the Nigerian Army Major was reportedly killed, has become the epicentre of killings and violence by Unknown Gunmen in the State.
Normalcy was gradually returning to the area before the recent killing of a leader of the gunmen identified as ‘Double Lion’ who operated from the Orlu area of Imo State to communities in Ihiala and Nnewi South LGAs of Anambra State.
Double Lion and four members of his gang were killed by a suspected rival group at Ihiala in June.