There was a huge turnout of families, friends and associates as the remains of Dr Chike Akunyili, husband to the late former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, Dora, was laid to rest on Thursday morning in his hometown in Agulu, Anambra State.
The medical doctor was killed on September 29 by unknown gunmen while returning to Enugu from an event in Onitsha where his late wife was given a posthumous award.
Chike was hacked along with eight other victims at Nkpor in the Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
During his lying-in-state and build-up to his interment, grieving family members, friends and associates were present to pay their last respects.
A pontifical requiem Mass for the deceased held at Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu, under Anaocha local government area of Anambra State before he was eventually committed to mother earth.
Speaking at his requiem Mass on Thursday, the presiding priest, Reverend Father Damian Akunonu declared that there was no justification for the killing of Chike.
He blamed the loss of core values as being responsible for the growing rascality and criminality in society, adding that the murder of Akunyili should serve as a wake-up call to both the state and federal government to restructure the security architecture of the country.
A former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and his wife, Margaret were present at the burial ceremony.
Also in attendance were a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Senator Victor Umeh; Anambra State deputy governor-elect, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim; representatives of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, five Catholic bishops and scores of other priests.
