Staff of the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda. Adeda reportedly died after being rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital following an incident at the ministry's Examination and Standards Department. The incident has generated conflicting accounts, prompting ministry workers to urge the police and other relevant authorities to establish the facts.
According to sources within the ministry, Adeda had recently been redeployed as Chief Inspector of Education (CIE), Isoko South, and had been posted to the Science Education Department. However, he drove to the Examination and Standards Department, where allegedly became violent and used his vehicle to ram into cars and damage property within the premises. This incident has raised concerns among ministry workers, who are demanding a transparent investigation.
Sources claim that Adeda had a history of mental health challenges known to some staff members, which they believe should be considered by investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Video footage from the department captured Adeda repeatedly ramming vehicles and property with his car, allegedly putting the lives of staff at risk. The sources emphasized that this video evidence and medical records should form part of any investigation.
A ministry staff member expressed concern about the ambiguity surrounding the incident, stating that no conclusion should be reached without a proper investigation. The worker appealed to the police and other authorities to conduct a discreet and professional investigation capable of establishing the sequence of events leading to Adeda's death. This appeal has been echoed by other ministry workers, who believe that only an independent investigation can resolve the conflict.
Commissioner for Secondary Education, Kingsley Ashibogwu, has denied allegations that he ordered anyone to assault Adeda. Ashibogwu claimed that he responded to distress calls from the Director of Examinations, who informed him that Adeda had attacked people and threatened to kill anyone who approached him. The Commissioner alleged that when he encountered Adeda, he was asked if he knew him, but Adeda responded that he did not want to know him and threatened to attack.
Ashibogwu described himself as a non-violent person and urged the public and media to allow the investigation to determine what happened. He emphasized that the circumstances should be assessed through verifiable evidence, including available video footage and relevant medical information, rather than speculation. The Commissioner's account of events has added to the controversy surrounding Adeda's death.
The ministry workers maintain that only an independent and transparent investigation can resolve the conflict surrounding Adeda's death. They are calling for a thorough examination of the evidence, including video footage and medical records, to establish the facts and determine what transpired before his death. The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Adeda's death and provide closure for his colleagues and family.
Key points
- Ministry workers are demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda.
- Adeda's death has generated conflicting accounts, with some sources claiming he had a history of mental health challenges.
- Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu has denied allegations that he ordered anyone to assault Adeda.
