They Kill My Children When They Grow’ – Grieving Mother Speaks After Delta Tragedy

The family of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi, who was allegedly killed by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Effurun, Delta State, has called for justice over his death.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in an emotional interview with BBC News Pidgin, Ogidi’s mother and elder sister said he had left home to pick up a waybill for a friend but never returned.

The police authorities had earlier announced the dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers involved in the incident following an internal investigation. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the dismissed officers will be handed over to appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution.

Ogidi’s mother, Oghenemine, expressed deep grief, revealing that this was not the first time her family had suffered such a loss, as she claimed another of her sons had previously been killed by police officers.

Overcome with emotion, she questioned why her family had been subjected to repeated tragedy, recalling that her son had pleaded with officers, explaining he was only carrying out an errand for someone.

She lamented that her children were being taken from her just as they reached adulthood.

Sister recounts final moments

Ogidi’s elder sister described him as a central figure in the family, saying his death has left a significant void.

She explained that on the day of the incident, he informed the family that he was heading to Sapele to collect a waybill on behalf of a friend.

According to her, Ogidi’s phone was not working, so he borrowed their mother’s phone to contact the person who sent him. The individual reportedly transferred money to him for transportation.

Concern arose when he failed to return home that evening. The situation escalated when a friend informed the family that he had been arrested.

Efforts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful, prompting family members to begin searching for him at various police stations, including Ekpan, Mopol Base, Ebrumede, A Division, and B Division. However, they said they received no information about his whereabouts.

After exhausting these efforts, the family resorted to posting his photograph online as a missing person.

They later received videos allegedly showing his arrest, after which they were informed that he had been shot by police officers.

According to the family, they were told he was initially shot in the hand before being fatally wounded.

While acknowledging the dismissal of the officers involved, the family insisted that this action alone was insufficient, calling for a thorough prosecution and justice for the deceased.