By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Anambra state government, has described as “dastardly and heart-wrenching” the death of Martin Ifesinachi Onyekesi, a prominent fish dealer in the state popularly known as “Fish Magnate.”
Martin, in his 20s was the only son of the Anambra Woman Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs Esther Onyekesi.
He was attacked in the evening of July 27, 2025 at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka.
He was murdered by his assistants despite paying an unspecified ransom to his abductors.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, has paid a condolence visit to the APGA Woman leader.
He sympathized with her, and assured that the state government was with her in the search of justice.
“May his soul rest in peace. We’ll fight and get him justice. The mother will get justice, the family will get justice, and Anambra will get justice.
“It’s a very painful loss for all of us, and the government is always challenged when things like this happen because it’s an affront to the new security architecture put in place by the Solution Government led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
“The new security architecture has been remarkably trying to deal with all manner of criminality, and whoever lives in Anambra will attest to the fact that security has tremendously improved since the new security architecture was put in place and launched by Governor Soludo on February 18, 2025,” Mefor noted.
Meanwhile, 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 the deceased.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Spokesman of the police command, said the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, had been recovered 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.
“The CP while condemning the killing, assured that the criminal elements behind this cowardly act will be brought to book.
“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,” Ikenga added.
