Chike Akunyili
Obumneme Akunyili, director of project monitoring in Anambra state and the last son of the late Dora and Chike Akunyili, says his family has not recovered from the killing of his father.
Chike, a medical doctor, was shot dead by gunmen on September 28, 2021, at Afor Nkpor junction, Onitsha, Anambra.
Speaking at the annual medical outreach held at St. Leo Hospital, Enugu, to mark the fourth anniversary of his father’s death, Obumneme described the incident as a “gruesome murder” that continues to haunt the family.
“It is devastating when I scroll through my phone and see videos of my father’s death,” he said.
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“With time, the pain is not as sharp as before, but it never goes away. You try to hold on to the positive memories, but once you reach for it, the pain bites back. Life must go on — I now have children of my own who need me, and I try to live by the lessons I learnt from my father.”
He recalled being told by a former governor of Anambra that the gang responsible for the attack had been eliminated, but said the information brought little comfort.
Obumneme said the outreach is a way of honouring his father, who was known for his commitment to charity.
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He explained that most of the expenses go into purchasing drugs, while the greatest contribution comes from doctors who volunteer their time.
“We wish our father was alive, that is what matters most to us,” he said.
“It was such a tragic, pathetic death. Whether the killers were punished or not, it doesn’t bring him back.
“Last year, we couldn’t do much because of construction work around the hospital and some family difficulties.
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“But we still carried out acts of charity privately. This year, we put structures in place to ensure the programme continues. It is something we, his children, fund ourselves without seeking outside help.”
He added that the feedback from beneficiaries has been “exceptional”, expressing hope that the initiative will continue to grow as a lasting legacy to his father.
