An irate mob in Onitsha, Anambra’s biggest commercial city, has toppled the statue of Nigeria’s first president Nnamdi Azikiwe, refurbished two years ago by Governor Willie Obiano.

Mr. Azikiwe, widely considered as the “father of Nigerian Nationalism” and a major force behind the country’s independence, was chided by the mob for his nationalist struggles.

The vandals, dangling sticks, machetes and other dangerous weapons dismembered the monument located near Dennis Memorial Grammar School, before setting it ablaze.

NAN reported that they chanted: “You put us in this mess by championing one Nigeria”, “You are the cause of our trouble.”

Peoples Gazette could not independently verify if the mob are members of the secessionist BIAFRA group IPOB.

The Gazette, however, understands that hoodlums had recently hijacked the ongoing #EndSARS protest in the state to unleash mayhem.

The DPO and station officer of Osumeyi Division in Nnewi South Local Government Area were amongst those confirmed dead, after armed thugs embarked on a rampage in the state, police said in a statement Friday.

Several other police stations were also vandalised and set ablaze in the attack, leaving many officers injured.

The Gazette reported late Friday that the police commissioner John Abang was unable to reach Inspector-General Mohammed Adamu to secure reinforcements after officers in the command were overwhelmed by the rampaging thugs.