Delta State civil servants staged a mass protest at the state secretariat in Asaba on Friday following the death of a senior Ministry of Secondary Education official after an alleged altercation on the ministry’s premises. The protesters called for an investigation into the death of Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda and demanded the arrest of Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu and three others.
Key Highlights
- Civil servants protested in Asaba after Deputy Director Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda died following an alleged altercation.
- Protesters demanded an investigation into Commissioner Kingsley Ashibogwu and three others.
- They called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and police to investigate the incident.
- Secretary to the State Government Kingsley Emu visited the secretariat and appealed for calm.
- Ashibogwu denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda or taking part in a beating.
- Police had not publicly confirmed an investigation as of the time of filing.
Delta Civil Servants Demand Investigation
The protesters gathered at the Prof. Chike Edosien Secretariat along Mariam Babangida Way and called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
They also demanded the removal and arrest of the commissioner and other people they accused of involvement. The protest followed reports that Adeda was allegedly assaulted at the ministry on Thursday and later died after being taken to hospital. The circumstances surrounding the reported altercation and the events leading to his death remained disputed as of Friday.
SSG Appeals for Calm
Secretary to the Delta State Government Kingsley Emu visited the secretariat during the protest and appealed to civil servants to return to work. He reportedly told the protesters that the state government was handling the matter.
Labour leaders said they would continue the protest until the commissioner and others allegedly involved were investigated and brought to justice.
What Happened to Unity Adeda?
Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, was reportedly involved in an altercation at the ministry on Thursday. A sister of the deceased, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed his death but said the family had not received a full account of what led to the incident. She said the family had been told he was beaten, but she was not present.
A ministry staff member, also speaking anonymously, alleged that the commissioner ordered his police orderly and driver to assault Adeda after a disagreement. The staff member further alleged Adeda fell into a coma and was taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba before being transferred to another hospital. The source said his remains were later deposited at a mortuary in Asaba.
The staff member alleged the incident followed a disagreement between Adeda and the Director of Examinations, who then contacted the commissioner. The source also claimed Adeda was detained after the alleged beating rather than immediately taken for medical treatment. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Commissioner Denies Ordering Assault
Ashibogwu denied ordering Adeda to be beaten or participating in any assault. He said he was called to the ministry after receiving a distress call from the Director of Examinations about a man who was allegedly attacking staff and threatening people at the scene.
The commissioner said he went to the ministry and encountered Adeda, who he alleged became aggressive during their interaction. Ashibogwu said Adeda attacked him and that he sustained injuries during the encounter. He denied ordering anyone to assault Adeda.
“I never ordered anybody to attack or beat him. I am not a violent person. I can’t lie against a dead body, God bears me witness,” Ashibogwu said. The Delta State Government lists Ashibogwu as Commissioner for Secondary Education.
Police Yet to Confirm Investigation
Calls and messages sent to Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe seeking confirmation of the incident and whether an investigation had begun were not answered as of press time.
The conflicting accounts remained unresolved as of Friday. Adeda’s death triggered tension among workers at the Ministry of Secondary Education and the Prof. Chike Edosien Secretariat, with civil servants demanding an independent investigation. The protesters said they would continue pressing for accountability while awaiting action from the state government and security agencies.
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