Major Churchill Orji, an army soldier, was reportedly assassinated by unidentified gunmen in the risky Azia neighbourhood of the Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.
Orji was a native of the state’s Anaocha local government area’s Nneogidi village in Agulu. It was unclear what brought him to Azia, which is thought to be one of the state’s most populous areas and has turned into a haven for the deadly gunmen.
Leonard Edu, a classmate of Orji’s from secondary school, lamented the passing of the Army officer and noted that he was a senior at Agulu Boys Secondary School.
Then, he served as our labour prefect. Although we still don’t know the exact circumstances of his murder, it is confirmed that he was assassinated at Azia by unidentified gunmen, Edu added.
Orji’s friends have also responded on social media since his passing. Rest in peace, my brother from Nneogidi village in Agulu, Major Churchil Orji, who was slain yesterday (Sunday) at Azia/Ukpor while defending the South-East from marauders, one of them remarked in a memorial.
Father (God), we are at your mercy in Anambra State, another person wrote. May Major C. Orji’s soul rest in peace.