Residents of Orogun community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, have been thrown into mourning following the brutal killing of a 27-year-old labourer, Joseph Anighoro Ikana, allegedly tortured by suspected hoodlums over a missing electric socket.
Ikana, who worked at the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, reportedly endured a night-long torture on Thursday and died the following day after coughing up blood. His assailants accused him of selling an electric socket meant for ongoing installations at the polytechnic, but no stolen item was found in his possession.
The incident, which occurred without any police investigation, has sparked outrage among residents and human rights advocates.
Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Human Rights, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, condemned the act, describing it as a “brutal and dastardly murder” and vowing that those responsible would face the full wrath of the law.
He called on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Orogun to ensure the killers are apprehended, while urging the Ughelli Council Chairman, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, and state lawmaker Omonade Matthew to ensure the case is not swept under the carpet.
Ejumudo also appealed to the youths of Orogun community to remain calm and allow due process, warning against any retaliatory violence.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Ughelli, while investigations are expected to commence.