Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOSCO) and local youths have expressed their outrage over the tragic murder of Efe Ogbeide, a physically challenged individual, in the Obazagbon community of Oredo Local Government.
During a protest held on Tuesday in Benin, Mr. Kola Edokpayi, the spokesperson for EDOSCO, called for justice, urging the state government to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Ogbeide, who was deaf, was reportedly killed by armed assailants at a project site amidst a violent clash related to a leadership dispute within the community. Mr. Melody Omasah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disability, lamented the incident, emphasizing that Ogbeide was unable to hear the alarm that warned others of the impending danger.
“While others ran for safety, he could not hear the warning and fell into the hands of his murderers,” Omasah stated, reflecting on the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
Omasah further condemned the escalating communal violence in Edo, highlighting its severe impact on individuals with disabilities.
“Ogbeide’s only crime was his determination to fend for himself and his family despite his disability, refusing to be a liability to society. It was in his struggle to provide for his family that he met his untimely death,” he remarked, shedding light on the vulnerabilities faced by disabled individuals during conflicts.
In response to the unrest, the Edo State Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the incident. CSP Moses Yamu, the police spokesperson, stated that investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.
The community and civil society advocates continue to call for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable populations during crises, underscoring the urgent need for action in the face of rising violence.
