The tribute for the reporter of Channels Television, Eneche Akogwu, who was shot dead during Friday’s explosions in Kano has been pouring in torrents.
This is especially so on his wall on social media, Facebook.
Enenche, who is still single, graduated from the Benue State University.
It was learnt that he was at the head office of his company located in Isheri, Ogun State earlier this week.
He is described as a workaholic.
His coverage of the recent protest over the hike in the price of petrol in Kano was described by his colleagues as excellent.
Perhaps the most moving of this tribute on the social media was that of his friend, Max Marksum Elisha, who, on learning of the explosions in Kano, sent a Facebook message to Akogwu.
Elisha wrote: “Are you ok? Read about the Kano Blast… Please stay safe.”
But 52 minutes later, Elisha was back on Akogwu’s wall.
He wrote in the first tribute on the wall: “Words have failed me… 52 minutes ago I wrote to find out if u were ok. Unknown to me, U were already on your new journey. #my heart is heavy.”
Eneche Comedian, another of Akogwu’s friends on Facebook, wrote: “I just watched the news of your death on channels Tv… I searched you on Facebook and discovered you on my friend list… You fell to wickedness, your death was avoidable. I am short of words. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.”
Terver Akase: “Enenche my dear brother, you were the best of your generation. Nigeria does not deserve you. The story of your brutal death will be told by other journalists in tears and in a hopeless state of mind about a country which should give them protection. You were not only a good classmate at BSU (Benue State University) but a true friend and brother to me. I will live to miss you. Rest in peace.”
Onyeke Richard Aluma: “I am pained by your untimely passage. Heard news of the death of a Channels reporter and didn’t realise it was someone closer than I thought, a co-alumnus from BSU ’04 set and an FB friend. Journey well, brother.”
Amada Enegela: “My Brother, FB friend and a true son of Idomaland. You live on still in our hearts and memories. Oh death, where is thy sting? How can I use the word was for you instead of is? Enenche, God has received you.”
Akioyamen Josephine: “I am crying right now. We chatted the other day. When I listened to him during the height of the strike palaver I was deeply worried for his safety. I couldn’t understand what he was still doing in Kano in spite of the dangerous goings-on there. I couldn’t just believe that they just snuffed out one of our bright lights like that. I am so sad. I am so weak. I am so cheerless.”
One of his colleagues, Andrew Onyika, wrote: “Waved you goodbye two days earlier as I alighted from the staff bus on your way to the Lagos airport to board a Kano flight; didn’t know it was the last wave. ADIEU, Enenche Akogwu.”