Staff of the Delta State Ministry of Secondary Education have appealed for calm and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the ministry.
Adeda reportedly died after he was rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital from his home on Thursday morning, following an earlier incident at the ministry’s Exams and Standards Department.
His death has since generated different accounts and public speculation, prompting ministry workers to urge the police and other relevant authorities to establish the facts and determine the sequence of events that preceded his death.
Sources within the ministry said Adeda had recently been redeployed as Chief Inspector of Education for Isoko South and was subsequently posted to the Science Education Department, with his office located at the state secretariat.
The source, however, said Adeda drove to the Exams and Standards Department, off Mariam Babangida Way, where he allegedly used his vehicle to ram into vehicles and property within the premises.
Video footage purportedly showing the incident is said to be circulating and has reportedly been made available to investigators.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the footage shows Adeda repeatedly driving his vehicle into other vehicles and property within the ministry premises, allegedly putting people in the area at risk.
He was subsequently brought under control and taken for medical attention, sources said.
The circumstances surrounding what happened after the incident, including the events that eventually led to Adeda’s death, remain the subject of investigation.
“There is considerable ambiguity surrounding the incident. No conclusion should be reached without a proper investigation,” a staff member said.
“We are appealing to everyone to remain calm and to stop circulating unverified claims that could heighten tension.”
The workers said a transparent investigation was necessary to address questions arising from the Deputy Director’s death.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, has denied allegations that he ordered anyone to physically assault Adeda.
Ashibogwu said he became involved after receiving distress calls from the Director of Examinations concerning Adeda’s alleged conduct at the ministry.
According to the Commissioner, the Director reported that Adeda had attacked people and threatened to kill anyone who attempted to approach him.
He said he went to the scene to ascertain what was happening and possibly calm the situation.
“When I encountered him, I asked whether he knew me, but he said he did not want to know me and threatened to attack anyone who came near him,” Ashibogwu stated.
The Commissioner further alleged that Adeda became aggressive during their encounter and attacked him.
Ashibogwu, who described himself as a non-violent person, maintained that he never instructed anyone to beat or assault the deceased.
He urged the public and the media to avoid speculation and allow investigators to work with available evidence, including video footage and relevant medical information.
As calls for calm grow within the ministry, workers said they expect the investigation to provide a clear account of the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and put to rest the conflicting claims arising from the incident.
