Chike Akunyili, late Dora Akunyili husband killed by Gunmen

Chike Akunyili, husband of late Dora Akunyili, former boss of (NAFDAC), was murdered by gunmen in Anambra State, Nigeria, on Tuesday, 28 September 2021.

The couple’s son, Obumneme Akunyili, confirmed the incident to BBC Igbo on Tuesday, 28 September 2021. According to Premium Times, he was shot dead while returning from Enugu from an event to honour his late wife.

Dr. Chike Akunyili had attended a lecture at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, organised by the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch, in honour of his late wife, Prof Dora Akunyili before he was shot in the head.

At the event, he reportedly talked about his wife and made a donation of N500,000 to the association. Daily Post, quoting a source, wrote, “He spoke glowingly about Dora, his wife, and made a donation of N500,000 to the association.

“He was there with his son, Obum, who now works with [the] Anambra State government. We saw them off to the car, and it was emotional when Obum hugged him (Chike) tight as both of them separated to join their respective vehicles.

“Obum was in a white Hilux while the man was in a Prado Jeep. He must have been killed when returning from the function.”

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Another source, who is also a member of the late Dora Akunyili husband’s community, told Daily Post, “He lost his life at Nkpor Junction, Idemili North Anambra State Tuesday 28/9/2021 when he came to Anambra to Receive Award for the Late Amazon, Prof Dora Akunyili.

“Agbalanze (his traditional title) was killed by Unknown Gunmen. May the Lord console [the] Akunyili family and Ndi Agulu in general.”

Following the incident, IPOB members have been accused of killing Chike. However, Emma Powerful, spokesman of IPOB, has refuted the claims. Shocked Nigerians have been reacting to the news since it broke.

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