Popular Fish Seller Murdered By Gunmen In Anambra State

 

Tragedy has struck in Anambra State as Ifesinachi Onyekere, a popular entrepreneur known as “Fish Magnet,” was brutally murdered by unknown gunmen.

The assailants reportedly invaded his home around 10:30 p.m., shot him in the leg, and abducted him in his Toyota Corolla. His body was later discovered, though the exact location remains undisclosed.

While security agencies have yet to release an official statement, the killing has sparked outrage across social media. In response, activist and influencer VeryDarkMan announced plans to hold a candlelight vigil on August 4 in Anambra State to honor Onyekere’s memory.

In a tearful video shared on Instagram, VeryDarkMan struggled to contain his emotions as he shared a video clip the fish seller had recorded before his death. In it, Fish Magnet said:

“It will give me more joy to give these fish to VeryDarkMan than to sell them. Just as a way of appreciating him for all the good he’s doing in Nigeria and for coming to Onitsha, Anambra State, to support traders. Please help me tag him so I can get these fish across.

Sadly, the gesture never came to pass.

“Unfortunately, he will not be able to give me that fish because he was kidnapped and killed… What was his offence? If you check his page, all he does is promote his business. That’s all.”

The activist also posted screenshots of their chat from June, showing how excited the young vendor was to surprise him. One message read:

“Big brother, please, it will be an honor to get this fish across to you. It’s already in the oven.”

VeryDarkMan used the tragedy to shed light on the worsening insecurity in Anambra State and across Nigeria. He publicly called out Governor Charles Soludo, questioning the safety of hardworking citizens:

“Governor Soludo, your kids are abroad. If this country wasn’t safe, you wouldn’t send them there. What hope do we have in Nigeria when entrepreneurs are killed just for trying to do business?”

He also proposed organizing a candlelight walk in Anambra in honor of the slain entrepreneur:

“Maybe on the 3rd or 4th, we’ll hold a candlelight for him. As long as it doesn’t clash with the sit-at-home order, let’s honor him and highlight the growing insecurity. Every day it’s farmers in Benue or Jos. It’s becoming normal too normal.”

Ending the video with a powerful message to Nigerian youth, VeryDarkMan pleaded:

“We can’t keep ignoring insecurity. The sooner we start taking it seriously, the better for all of us.”

The deeply emotional tribute has sparked widespread grief and condemnation online, as many mourn a man whose only “crime” was expressing gratitude and paid the ultimate price.