Tragedy struck in Anambra State as unidentified gunmen brutally murdered a well-known businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet,” despite receiving ransom payment for his release.
Onyekere, the son of a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was abducted late Saturday night when armed men stormed his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers, who arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV around 10:30 p.m., forced their way into the compound before abducting the victim.
He was shot in the leg during the assault and subsequently taken away in his own navy blue Toyota Corolla.
“The attackers arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV at about 10:30pm, forced their way into the compound, and fled the scene in the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla after shooting him on his leg.
The assailants escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia, while firing gunshots into the air, thereby triggering panic in the area.
He was in captivity for three days until a ransom was paid, but instead of setting him free, they ended his life.
He was later found lifeless by the roadside this morning. He was young, hardworking, full of promise, known for his passion and thriving fish business,” the source said.
The news of his death has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with residents reeling from the brutal murder of a man widely regarded for his enterprise and industrious spirit.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said joint security forces have recovered the vehicle used by the assailants during their escape.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down the armed men responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Ifesinachi Onyekere, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, who was attacked in the evening of July 27, 2025, at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka.
This directive follows the recovery of the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, along Ukwulu/Igbariam road by the Joint Security Team comprising of Anambra Vigilante Operatives and the Police.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot in the leg and forcibly taken away.
He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka.”
“He further stated that the Police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the Law. Further developments would be communicated accordingly,” he added.
The police have vowed to intensify investigations, as the community mourns the loss of a vibrant young entrepreneur whose life was cut short by senseless violence.