The Secretary-General of Okija Progressive Union, Barrister Peter Awa, and Izuchukwu Igwenagha, popularly known as Onwa, were on Sunday murdered by gunme in Anambra.

While Awa, who is also the Chancellor of the Knights of St Mulumba, Okija Sub Council, was killed in a market square in Umudioka village, Igwenagha was murdered over alleged land dispute in his Isieke village.

Also on the same day, a business man at Nkwo Okija was kidnapped as he was driving home from a function.

Before the latest incident, Okija was the only community in Ihiala Local Government Area that enjoyed security and neighbouring communities were coming to conduct burials and weddings in the town because the leadership had put in place a security outfit that worked.

Awa was appointed secretary of Okija last year following a town union election conducted by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters.

Until the incident, he was practicing law in Ihiala. Only recently, there was a failed attempt to kidnap his wife, also a lawyer, at Ihiala.

It was gathered that he attended a village meeting few hours before his gruesome murder.

Some people, who it was believed he was familiar with, had stopped him at Eke market in his Umudioka village and eyewitnesses said there appeared to be a discussion between them, only for gunshots to be heard few minutes later.

The occupants of the car immediately drove off after firing several bullets at him. He was confirmed dead later.

For Onwa, his murder was said to be connected to a protracted land dispute in his village. Onwa was said to be a key player in Umuezeulasi land matters and he was shot dead in his house.

Barrister Mike Ozulumba, a United States-based attorney said the community is passing through tough times.

“Okija has within 24hrs recorded two painful gruesome murders. While mourning the assassination of Onwa in a suspected land dispute, we received the shocking news of OPU Secretary, Barr Awah’s assassination at his village in Umuohi Okija tonight.

The Anambra State Police Command is yet to confirm the incidents.