By Ezeakukwu Emmanuel Nsoedo
Monday, June 17, 2024, was just like another ‘Monday Sit At Home’. In Anambra State, various communities have their style of observing the day. While some communities may choose to observe it without much activities, for many in Nnewi, it is a day for various meetings.
Beyond the meetings, many amateur footballers would use the opportunity to hone their skills. Afterwords, they will gather and entertain themselves. Some groups would just find some conducive places to entertain themselves.
The New Arrival Hotel in Nnewichi, Nnewi, was one of such places some friends gathered to entertain themselves on the hotel’s open ground. The owner of the hotel, Nnamdi Okwumuo (Obodoego’ is a well-known socialite who enjoys the company of friends and acquaintances.
Nnamdi Okwumuo (Obodoego) was among those having a good time when the gunmen took everyone by surprise and opened torrent of gun shots before all of them. Several people there sustained gun shot wounds.
You would recall that late Eloka Ubajaekwe, the commander of Nnewi Vigilante mobilized his team to confront the gun men, since the vigilante had brought the incident of such violent attacks in Nnewi to the barest minimal. Unfortunately, he died in action as the criminals ambushed him and some of his men.
It was for the remembrance and also to thank Almighty God that Mr Nnamdi Okwumuo (Obodoego) thought that it was befitting to use the one year anniversary to thank God that despite several people who were wounded in his hotel that none of them died. A Reverend was invited to lead the people in prayer.
OObodoego and his wife entertained the guests lavishly for hours as they kept thanking God for saving the men last year. Nnamdi Okwumuo used that opportunity to remind the government and other well-meaning Nigerians and Anambra state government to remember Eloka Ubajaekwe’s family and others who died in active service.