Nigerians Condemn Ambassador Ajuru’s Murder

Condemnations have continued to trail the brutal assassination of Nigeria’s former ambassador to the Republic of Ukrain and Gabon, Chief Ignatius Ajuru.

Chief Ignatius Ajuru who hailed from Isiokpo in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State was cut down on Sunday by unknown gunmen at Obehie in the Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State on his way back to Port Harcourt after a condolence visit to the Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim over the death of his mother. His orderly and the driver of the vehicle in which he was travelling sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital while Ajuru’s corpse had been deposited in a morgue.

Nigerians who spoke to The Tide on the issue described it as a big challenge to Nigeria’s security agencies.

According to them, it was high time Nigeria’s security organs showed the world that they have the capacity to contain criminality in the country.

Reacting to the incident, paramount ruler of Isiokpo community, HRM, King Blessing Wagor described the murder of the late envoy as a rude shock to the community and Rivers State at large.

King Wagor who spoke to The Tide at the residence of Chief Ajuru also announced the cancellation of the proposed Isiokpo Day celebration in deference of the slain politician.

Also reacting, the former chief medical director of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Professor Uriah Etawo described the assassination as a big shock to him and his family.

In his comments, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Professor Bedford Fubara also described the death as a big loss to the state.

Professor Fubara used the occasion to call on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the act.

In his reaction, the Rivers state Islamic Leader, Alhaji Ahmed R T. Okiri who condemned the assassination, urged the government of Abia State to collaborate with its Rivers counterpart to check the rising wave of militancy at the Port Harcourt-Aba express road.

When The Tide visited his residence at Isiokpo everywhere was under lock and key but at one Chief Wobodo Amadi’s palace, sympathizers were seen trooping in and out while some expressed shock and disbelief at the gruesome murder. Some were weeping while others simply hissed.

Chief Wobodo Amadi who doubles as the chairman of Isiokpo Council of Chiefs spoke with deep sorrow and bitterness of heart. “It is true our brother is dead and his body has been removed from the scene of the incident. He is presently in a mortuary” Wobodo said.

The Nye Nwe Ali of Isiokpo, HRM, King Blessing Wagor Imenwo described the late Ajuru as a rare gem and a forthright political leader in Isiokpo. He said a condolence register has already been opened at his Port Harcourt residence.

Hon Adindu Chukwuigwe, a one-time Vice Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area described the death of Ajuru as shocking and unfortunate, saying Isiokpo, Ikwerre and Rivers State as a whole lost a top personality.

Prof. I. H. Ajuru was until his demise the chairman, governing council of the Rivers State University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.

John Bibor/King Kingsley