Engr. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, a prominent Port Harcourt-based architect and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), was tragically killed just four days before his mother’s burial.

Egbuonu, who hailed from Anambra State, succumbed to complications from gunshot injuries sustained in an attack by unidentified gunmen near his hometown of Nnewi on Sunday, November 17, 2024.

The General Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement. According to Ibeanu, Egbuonu had been making final arrangements for his mother’s burial, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, when the incident occurred.

“With a painful and heavy heart, I announce the death of our brother, Arc. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu FNIA, KSJ,” the statement read.

“He passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024, due to complications from gunshot wounds inflicted during an attack by yet-to-be-identified gunmen near our hometown of Nnewi. He was on his way to conclude preparations for his mother’s burial, set for Thursday, November 21, 2024.”

Egbuonu was a respected leader within the architectural community, serving as Chair of the Architectural Exhibitions and Competitions Committee of the NIA and a former Chair of the NIA Rivers State Chapter.

The NIA urged members and the public to pray for the repose of Egbuonu’s soul and for comfort and strength for his grieving family during this difficult time.