Hundreds of protesters on Wednesday shut down Otovwodo community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, to demand justice over the alleged death of Unity Adeda Ekwevbughe, a deputy director in the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The protesters, who barricaded the East-West Road, causing a heavy gridlock, hailed from the community and were demanding that the state government take action. They gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to arrest those responsible.
The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as 'Justice for Adeda', 'We are peaceful people; all we want is justice', and 'A killer cannot be a Commissioner'. They said they wanted the state government to bring their son back alive. The community leader, Prince Elvis Oharisi, President-General of the Otovwodo community, said the Governor should relieve the Commissioner and Director of their duties and make them face the law. He alleged that Adeda was subjected to violence involving the Commissioner for Secondary Education, the Director, a police officer, and others.
According to Oharisi, Adeda's death affects not just the Otovwodo community but the entire kingdom. He said the community is in grief and called on the government to bring Adeda's life back to them. The community leader warned that if the government fails to meet their demands, they will shut down the whole place. Oharisi also expressed distrust in the panel of inquiry constituted by the state government, citing the absence of community and family members.
The Otovwodo community youth leader, Mr Umudi Ohwofasa, described Adeda's death as devastating and said they would not accept anything but justice. He demanded that the government bring out those responsible and handle the issue properly. Mrs Julie Adeda, a family member, said her brother-in-law was a peaceful and lovely man who was the breadwinner of his family.
Other protesters, including Tobi Onajite and Mama Regina, described Adeda's death as brutal, likening it to the killing of a fowl or goat. They said they are in pain and cannot allow such killings to continue. The protesters rejected the panel of inquiry constituted by the state government, saying it was one-sided and lacked representation from the community and family.
The community leader called on the government to ensure that anyone arrested in connection with the incident is not released until justice is served. He warned that the community would not accept any attempt to release suspects without due process and accountability. The protesters are demanding that the government takes concrete action to address the incident.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for justice and accountability. The state government's response to the ultimatum remains to be seen. The community is waiting for the government to take action, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
Key points
- The Otovwodo community has given the state government a seven-day ultimatum to arrest those responsible for Adeda's death.
- The community has rejected the panel of inquiry constituted by the state government, citing lack of representation.
- The protesters are demanding justice and accountability for Adeda's alleged death.
