Murder of Deaf Man in Edo Triggers Backlash
Tracy Ohovwore, Benin city
The tragic murder of a deaf man, Mr Efe Ogbeide, has sparked outrage and demand for justice and government intervention in Edo state.
It was said that the deceased was shot at a close range while supervising a building project at Obazagbon community, Oredo local government area in Edo state, leaving behind his deaf wife and kids.
The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), in collaboration with concerned residents of GRA, took to the streets to protest in response to the incident.
The protest, led by the NAPVID’s Executive Director, Melody Omosah, began in the streets of Benin and ended at the premises of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo state council. It demanded justice and the government’s support for the deceased family.
“The widow and his children need government support. This may not replace his life, but it will ensure these children continue their schooling. “ Omosah pleaded.
The director also called on the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to bring to book the perpetrators of this evil.
In response to the protest, the chairman of NUJ, Edo state, Dr Festus Alenkhe, represented by the Union’s secretary, Mr Andy Egbon, assured the protesters that their complaints were duly noted and that the killers would be apprehended.
Also, the Edo state police Public Relations Officer, Moses Iyamu, disclosed that three suspects have been nabbed in connection with the murder of Mr Efe Ogbeide, with investigations still ongoing.
