Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has offered automatic employment to the daughter of the late Comrade Anthony Kaduna Ebiogbodin, former Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, who tragically passed away after collapsing during a confrontation with police officers in Benin City.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and public outcry, particularly among labor unions and civil society groups in the state.
According to a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itu, Governor Okpebholo expressed his condolences to the widow and other family members of the late Ebiogbodin during a condolence visit. The Governor also voiced his displeasure over the circumstances surrounding Ebiogbodin’s death, stating that it was avoidable had the police officers acted more professionally during the incident. Okpebholo was accompanied on the visit by Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide, the Acting NLC Chairman for Edo State, as well as other leaders from organized labor and civil society groups.
The tragic event reportedly unfolded at a police checkpoint in Benin City, where Ebiogbodin, after a heated argument with the officers, collapsed and later died. Governor Okpebholo lamented the loss, stating that it was painful and could have been prevented if the officers had behaved more appropriately at the scene. He further vowed to engage with the Edo State Police Commissioner, Umoru Ozigi, to ensure that police conduct does not become a source of danger or threat to the residents of the state.
In his statement, the Governor expressed a sense of sorrow, noting the inevitability of death but emphasizing the unfortunate nature of Ebiogbodin’s passing. He said, “It is painful that we have lost a soul in this manner, but I will talk to the police about their conduct so that they will behave well and conduct themselves well in the state. He is gone. It is painful, but that is life, as we all will die one day. I feel sad over the circumstances surrounding his death, but he is gone. No man knows who is next.”
The incident has sparked calls for justice and accountability. Comrade Egwakhide, the Acting NLC Chairman, alongside other prominent civil society leaders like Rev. David Ugolor and Barr. Abraham Oviawe, have demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Comrade Ebiogbodin. They have called for a holistic inquiry to ensure that the truth is uncovered and justice is served.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the police and the public, especially regarding the conduct of law enforcement officers at checkpoints and during confrontations with civilians. Ebiogbodin’s death, coming amid growing concerns about police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria, has added to calls for improved policing practices and greater accountability within the force.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Okpebholo’s administration has expressed its commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The Governor’s promise to engage with the State’s police leadership suggests a focus on reforming law enforcement practices to better serve and protect the people of Edo State.
