Enugu community is in mourning after the tragic death of Sunday Ayogu, who was allegedly killed with a parcel bomb in Awada, Anambra State, on January 19, 2025. Ayogu, a successful businessman and native of Isi-Uvuru village in Enugu State, was reportedly killed in his Onitsha home.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Paulinus Ogara, the Catholic priest of the community, condemned the act and called for urgent measures to address the escalating security issues in Nigeria. He likened the assassination to the tragic killing of Dele Giwa in 1986, citing a chilling similarity in the method used.
Ayogu, widely known as “Blessed Sunnytex,” was reportedly at home with his family when the attack took place. His son, who witnessed the incident, explained that after receiving a call, Ayogu went downstairs, where a man dressed in black with a cap handed him a package. As Ayogu tried to set the package aside, it exploded, severely injuring him. The assailant reportedly shouted “fire! fire!” as he fled the scene, likely attempting to divert attention from the crime.
The attack has deeply shaken the community, and tension has spread throughout the town. The method of the attack – a parcel bomb – has stirred memories of the Dele Giwa assassination, an event that left an indelible mark on the region. The similarity between the two cases raises unsettling questions about the potential resurgence of parcel bomb terrorism in Nigeria.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Ogara voiced his concerns, highlighting the disturbing implications of such methods of assassination. He explained that the use of parcel bombs is particularly alarming because it targets individuals in their homes or workplaces, leaving them vulnerable and defenseless. The method of attack creates a climate of fear and uncertainty, affecting not only the immediate victims but also the broader community. If parcel bomb terrorism is allowed to persist, it could severely undermine Nigeria’s national security and threaten press freedom, as journalists, activists, and politicians might become targets.
Ogara further warned about the potential economic consequences of such attacks. As people grow increasingly fearful of receiving parcels or packages, they may begin avoiding postal services and online shopping, which could worsen the country’s already fragile economic situation. This, he stated, would only exacerbate the challenges Nigeria is currently facing.
To address these growing concerns, Ogara suggested that the government must take immediate steps to investigate Ayogu’s assassination and bring those responsible to justice. Such actions would send a clear message that acts of terrorism would not be tolerated. He also urged the government to enhance intelligence gathering, improve security measures around potential targets, and establish a national threat assessment center to better anticipate and mitigate threats.
While the government has not yet responded to the tragic incident, it has raised important questions about the current state of security in Anambra and the wider country. The increasing frequency of criminal activities, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and killings, has left communities across Nigeria feeling vulnerable.
The assassination of Sunday Ayogu serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by terrorism and the need for greater vigilance. As Rev. Fr. Dr. Ogara stated, “the people of Ugbene-Ajima were thrown into mourning two days ago upon receiving the shocking news of the assassination of Sunday Ayogu, popularly known as Blessed Sunnytex, via parcel bomb in Awada, Onitsha, where he lived with his family.” This tragedy, he emphasized, should prompt immediate action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Ogara further reflected on the broader implications of the assassination: “The brutality of the attack has sent widespread panic through the community, and the town has been gripped by tension ever since.” He underscored the need for decisive action to curb the rising insecurity in Nigeria, which has become a major concern for both citizens and authorities alike.
The Catholic priest also expressed his shock at the re-emergence of such violent tactics, saying, “this method of killing is chillingly reminiscent of Dele Giwa’s tragic assassination in 1986, the last recorded incident of its kind in this region.” The similarity between the two events has left many wondering whether Nigeria is witnessing a resurgence of parcel bomb terrorism.
In his call for action, Ogara outlined several measures the government must take to prevent further attacks. “The government must also work to prevent future attacks by enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing, as well as strengthening security measures around potential targets,” he said. This could include increasing surveillance, providing security training, and establishing a national threat assessment center to better understand and mitigate the risks.
The assassination of Sunday Ayogu has raised critical concerns about the security situation in Anambra and across Nigeria. As the community continues to grieve, the need for swift action to address these escalating threats has never been more urgent. If the government does not act, Nigeria may face further instability, affecting both its citizens and the economy.
Ayogu’s tragic death is not just the loss of a businessman but a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. His assassination through a parcel bomb has prompted widespread fear and calls for greater accountability from the authorities. Until the perpetrators are brought to justice, the shadows of fear and insecurity will continue to loom over the nation.
