Delta Education Director's Death Sparks NLC Strike: Police Launch Manhunt

The Delta State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared an indefinite strike across the state. This significant industrial action was prompted by the tragic death of Mr. Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, who reportedly passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The strike was officially announced on Friday, September 25, by the State NLC chairman, Goodluck Oforbruku, during an address to protesting civil servants at the Chike Edozien secretariat in Asaba.

Reports indicate that Mr. Adeda's death followed a severe altercation at the secretariat. Sources familiar with the incident alleged that he was tied up and mercilessly beaten by thugs, supposedly acting under the directive of another government worker. Further allegations suggested that the confrontation involved Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. During this alleged encounter, Ashibogwu reportedly questioned Adeda's familiarity with him. However, it's important to note that the allegations of assault could not be independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation directly linking the alleged confrontation to Adeda’s death.

Mr. Adeda's demise created palpable tension among workers at the secretariat, leading to widespread disruption of activities as staff demanded urgent answers regarding the circumstances of the incident. Workers, operating under the NLC's guidance, subsequently shut down the entire Prof. Chike Odozien Secretariat in Asaba. All official activities were paralyzed as entrances to the complex were locked, with workers asserting they would not return to duty until the government provided satisfactory assurances about their safety.

In response to these grave developments, the Delta State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda. The command acknowledged allegations that Adeda was beaten by aides to Commissioner Ashibogwu, specifically identifying Enos Attah, Oputa Okestine, and Lucky Adoh. According to Edafe Bright, the command’s spokesperson, upon receiving these complaints, law enforcement swiftly acted, leading to the arrest of one suspect, Lucky Adoh. A vigorous manhunt is currently underway for the other named suspects.

CP Samuel E. Erale, the Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command, has mandated the Homicide section of the Command's State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry. This investigation will meticulously examine all available evidence, including relevant video footage, eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and the actions of all individuals connected to the incident. The objective is to establish the facts definitively and ensure that any person found culpable is brought to justice in strict accordance with the law. CP Erale has reassured the deceased's family, concerned citizens, and the public that the command will not shield or spare anyone implicated, irrespective of their status or position. He further pledged that the investigation would be carried out professionally, transparently, and without any interference, urging the public to maintain calm and refrain from premature conclusions until the full facts are ascertained.