By Praise Chinecherem
A military officer has been reportedly killed by gunmen in Azia, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The deceased, identified as Major Churchill Orji was said to have been killed while in an operation in the troubled zone. Ihiala axis, bordering Imo State has been notorious with the activities of persons suspected to be Biafra agitators.
However, normalcy had gradually returned to the area in the past two months following killing of the suspected leader of the dreaded gunmen called ‘Double Lion’, operating from Orlu area of Imo through communities in Ihiala and Nnewi South in Anambra.
Though Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was yet to receive report in connection to the incident, but a schoolmate of the deceased, Leonard Edu, confirmed the development to our correspondent. He said, “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.
A source in a tribute said, “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 was quoted as saying, “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.” Double Lion and four members of his gang were killed by a suspected rival group at Ihiala in June at a time moving around the state had become frightening.
It was gathered that Double Lion originally belonged to the mainstream gunmen, but later formed another more daring group. His group was the one allegedly terrorizing most communities in Anambra South senatorial zone and forcing people who have functions to pay them hundreds of thousands of naira before such functions could take place.
And once the money was paid, organizers of the event were strictly warned never to invite security operatives.
