By Sola Adebayo, Asaba
Published: Monday, 5 Feb 2007

Family sources put Onokpasa‘s age at 72 years before his tragic end.

Onokpasa was murdered at his residence in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state at 9pm on the fateful day.

The police were yet to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death as at press time on Sunday.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that a seven-man gang scaled the fence of the residence of the deceased located along Onokopasa Street in Agbarho.

They thereafter found their way into the apartment and made desperate request to see the deceased from members of his family.

Oblivious of the mission of the unwanted guests, Onokpasa reportedly came out of his living room and gave himself up to the gang.

It was gathered that the leader of the gang later explained to Onokpasa that the group was hired to eliminate him and that they were in his house to carry out the assignment.

A source said the gang shunned entreaties by Onokpasa to offer them money and other valuable property to spare his life.

He was subsequently shot at close range.

It was gathered that members of the gang later fled the scene while Onokpasa was rushed to Agbarho General Hospital for possible medical attention to safe his life.

However, he died on the way to the hospital.

The Commissioner of Police, State Command, Mr. Udom Ekpoudom, confirmed the report, adding that Onokpasa was assassinated.

Ekpoudom, however, said that investigation into the incident had begun, adding that Onokpasa‘s killers would be brought to justice.