The tragic killing of Mr. Efe Ogbeide, a deaf and mute man, has ignited calls for justice and urgent government intervention in Edo State.
Efe was shot at close range while overseeing a building project in Obazagbon Community, Oredo Local Government Area, leaving behind a wife, who is also deaf and mute and their children.
In response, the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), in collaboration with Concerned Government Reservation Area residents, took to the streets of Benin in protest.
Led by NAPVID’s Executive Director, Melody Omosah, the demonstrators marched through major roads before converging at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council.
Their demands were clear: justice for Efe and government support for his grieving family.
Omosah stressed that the loss of Efe, who was the family’s breadwinner, has placed an enormous burden on his widow.
While no assistance can bring him back, he argued that the government must step in to ensure his children’s future, particularly their education.
“The widow and his children need government support. This may not replace his life, but at least, it will ensure these children continue their schooling,” he stated.
Beyond welfare assistance, Omosah also urged the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
“As the chief security officer of the state, it is his duty to see that justice is done. We are mourning, but we demand action,” he emphasized.
Responding to the protest, NUJ, Edo State Chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, represented by the union’s secretary, Mr. Andy Egbon, assured the protesters that their concerns were heard.
He expressed hope that the killers would be arrested and held accountable. “This is another dimension—not just seeking justice but also urging the government to support the bereaved family.
“My prayer is that those responsible will be caught and made to pay dearly for their crime,” Alenkhe said.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder, with investigations ongoing.
