Crime

Tragedy in Awka: 17-Year-Old Apprentice Gunned Down After Exposing Theft Ring

Published by admin on October 19th, 2025.

Tragedy in Awka: 17-Year-Old Apprentice Gunned Down After Exposing Theft Ring

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

The city of Awka, Anambra State, has been plunged into sorrow following the brutal killing of a 17-year-old apprentice, Master Chikamso Ejiofor, who was reportedly murdered for exposing a theft syndicate operating within Eke Awka Market.

According to information obtained by this reporter, Chikamso, a native of Umuzocha Village in Awka South Local Government Area, was undergoing apprenticeship under a female trader dealing in live poultry and related goods at the popular market.

The unfortunate sequence of events began when the teenager discovered that certain individuals within the market were secretly stealing goods from his boss. Demonstrating integrity and boldness, Chikamso not only reported the matter to his boss but also helped track and recover the stolen items, which had allegedly been sold to another nearby vendor.

This act of honesty, however, reportedly provoked the anger of the culprits. Sources claim the boys began issuing threats, warning him to stay away from the market. It appears these threats were not idle.

Tragically, on the evening of Saturday, October 11, 2025, around 8 to 9 p.m., Chikamso was allegedly ambushed by unknown assailants on his way home after closing from the day’s business. He was shot dead, in what many believe was a retaliation for his role in exposing the thieves.

Confirming the devastating news, his elder sister, known on social media as Nasa Love, took to her page to express the family’s grief and frustration. She described her brother’s killing as both “heartbreaking and unjust,” lamenting that his only ‘offence’ was choosing to stand for the truth.

“My brother was helping a woman at Eke Awka Market who sells poultry,” she wrote. “He found out that some boys were stealing and not remitting money. He exposed them and earned his boss’s trust. Later, he uncovered an even bigger theft involving more expensive items. After that, those boys warned him to stop coming to the shop. On Saturday night, they followed him and shot him.”

She further revealed that Chikamso had previously informed the family about the theft at his workplace but never disclosed that he was being threatened by those involved.

As of the time of this report, the suspects are reportedly still at large. The Ejiofor family, along with concerned members of the community, is calling on the Anambra State Police Command to conduct a full investigation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage, with many describing it as a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in parts of the state and the dangers faced by individuals who stand up for what is right.

A candlelight vigil in honour of the deceased has been scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, while his burial will take place the following day, Sunday, October 26, at the family compound—Late Alandu Compound, opposite Chicken Republic, Umuzocha, Awka.

Despite the pain, Nasa expressed hope that justice would prevail and prayed for God to grant her brother eternal rest and comfort to the grieving family.

When contacted regarding the incident, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Toochukwu Ikenga, stated that he had not yet received any official report concerning the matter.