The Nigerian economist and professor emeritus Chief Obidinma Isiah Okoli Onyemelukwe, father of the author Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, has passed on, aged 84. According to a note shared by Cheluchi on Instagram, he was killed by armed men in Oko, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Chief Onyemelukwe’s loss comes at the height of a spade of bloody attacks on innocent citizens in the State, by unknown assailants. So far, no arrests have been made.

We are terribly saddened to hear this news and hope Cheluchi and her family are finding some much needed comfort. From what we know, Cheluchi has maintained a loving close-knit relationship with her father, often writing and speaking about him with fondness. In her remarks on Instagram, Cheluchi provided a biography of her father’s life and accomplishments. Born to the influential Onyemelukwe family in 1938, Prof Onyemelukwe worked his way up to a stellar career, holding a series of positions in the private and public sector. He was also a title holding man (Ozo title of Chibugo), meaning that he was highly-regarded in the Igbo community. He is survived by his wife Dr. Rebecca Onyemelukwe and four children. Cheluchi described her father as “a decent, kind, generous, conscientious man” and “a pillar in his community.”

“Despite the circumstances of his death,” she adds, “we are grateful to God for a life well lived, a joyful, feisty life lived every single second, a life committed to doing good, an exemplary, blessing-filled life.  We are grateful for every second we spent with him.”

We are sending lots of love and prayerful thoughts to Cheluchi and her family as they wade through these difficult times. We hope justice is served. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Follow this link to read Cheluchi’s full remarks on her father’s passing.