Tragedy in Anambra: Popular Fish Seller Ifesinachi “Fish Magnet” Onyekere Murdered by Gunmen
A wave of shock and mourning has swept through Anambra State following the brutal murder of local fish entrepreneur, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet.” The young businessman was reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen at his residence around 10:30 p.m. The assailants shot him in the leg before abducting him in his Toyota Corolla. His lifeless body was later found, although the exact location remains undisclosed.
News of the killing has sparked outrage on social media, with tributes pouring in for a man widely admired for his entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. Among the mourners is activist and influencer VeryDarkMan, who took to Instagram to express grief over the incident and announce plans for a candlelight vigil on August 4 in Onitsha, Anambra State.
In an emotional video, VeryDarkMan shared a clip that Onyekere had recorded shortly before his death. In it, the vendor expressed a heartfelt desire to gift some of his oven-roasted fish to the activist as a token of appreciation for his advocacy and support of local businesses.
“Sadly, he will never get the chance to send me that fish,” VeryDarkMan said tearfully. “What was his offence? All he did was promote his business and support others.”
He also released screenshots of their last chat, showing Onyekere’s excitement to send the fish, with one message reading, “It will be an honor to get this fish across to you. It’s already in the oven.”
Using the tragic incident to spotlight the growing insecurity in the region, VeryDarkMan called out Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo: “Your children are abroad, Governor. What about the people trying to survive here? Entrepreneurs are being killed just for working hard.”
He urged young Nigerians to speak up and push back against the normalization of violence across the country: “It’s farmers in Benue today, fish sellers in Anambra tomorrow. It’s becoming too normal. We can’t keep ignoring it.”
As the nation mourns another life cut short by insecurity, the late Ifesinachi Onyekere is remembered not just as a fish vendor, but as a kind soul whose only wish was to show gratitude and who paid the ultimate price.
