Awka, Nigeria – The Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Anambra State chapter, held a solemn procession to mourn the death of Barrister Peter Awa, a colleague from the Nnewi Zonal office of the Anambra State Ministry of Justice. Awa was recently murdered by gunmen in his hometown, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area.
The memorial event took place at Jerome Udorji State Secretariat in Awka and drew numerous association members, all dressed in black, who marched around the secretariat singing dirges.
Speaking to journalists after the procession, the Chairman of the Anambra State chapter, Barrister Emeka Nwangwu, expressed deep sorrow over Awa’s brutal murder and voiced concerns about the ongoing insecurity in the state. The association urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the murder was related to Awa’s work as a state prosecuting counsel or other local issues in Okija.
Nwangwu called on the government and security agencies to enhance efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state. He emphasized the need for the government to guarantee the security and welfare of state lawyers as they perform their duties.
Barrister Charity Madukife, Assistant Director in charge of the Nnewi zonal office of the Ministry of Justice, highlighted the risks faced by state prosecutors. She described Barrister Awa as a dependable colleague who left behind a wife and young children, calling for support for his bereaved family and stronger measures to ensure public safety.
