The family of slain Mr. Onyeka Kikeme, a graduate of Chemistry Education, University of Delta, Agbor, Ika south local government area of Delta State, has appealed to the state government to ensure that those behind the “painful and sudden” death of their brother were brought to book without delay.
Late Kikeme, whose lifeless body was found in Owa-Oyibu bush, was a motorcycle rider, otherwise known as Okada, after graduating two years ago.
Brother to the deceased, Hon. Joseph Onyinye Blessing, who made the call said it was not just for the family alone but for those who have suffered similar fate in the hands of these unscrupulous elements and the community that now lives in perpetual fear of the unknown.
Hon. Blessing in a release made available to journalists on Wednesday October 16, 2024, disclosed that the late Kikeme, was a promising young man with aspirations, awaiting his visa to travel abroad before meeting his untimely death.
According to him, the late Kikeme was a responsible young man, hardworking and determined to make a life for himself, stating that with his bike, he ran a small transportation business, ferrying people around town to earn a living while he waited for his visa to come through before his life was cut short.
He appealed to the state government and the council chairman, Ika north east, Mr. Hunkamma Monday Odigwe, to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime were brought to book, adding that it would serve as the only succour to the family.
Hear him, “The sudden death of Mr. Onyeka Kikeme has left my family and the entire community shattered. Onyeka wasn’t just a brother to us; he was a beacon of hope, kindness, and resilience.
“His unexpected demise has torn through our hearts, leaving an emptiness that words can scarcely describe.
“The pain we feel is indescribable, not just because we have lost a loved one, but because of the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
“The last time we saw Onyeka was on Wednesday evening. He had stopped by my mother’s house, as he often did, to spend some time with her. It was around 7:00pm when he finally decided to leave, despite my mother’s repeated pleas for him to stay.
“The evening had grown late, and the town had become increasingly unsafe in recent times. We had all heard stories of rising crime, robberies, and senseless violence in Agbor, but never did we imagine that Onyeka would fall victim to it.
“Onyeka was a responsible young man, hardworking and determined to make a life for himself. With his bike, he ran a small transportation business, ferrying people around town to earn a living while he waited for his visa to come through.
“He was a graduate of Chemistry Education from UNIDEL, having completed his studies at Delta State. He had dreams, aspirations, and a bright future ahead of him—one cruelly cut short by unknown hands.
“We cannot express the anger and frustration we feel. Onyeka lived a life of integrity, never involved in any trouble, yet he was taken from us in such a brutal manner.
“The town we once called home has become a place of fear, where killings and insecurity are rampant. Agbor has turned into a shadow of what it once was, and we are tired. We cannot stay silent any longer.
“On this painful note, we call on the Delta State Government and the Ika North – East Chairman to act swiftly and decisively.
“It is time for the authorities to address the growing violence and insecurity in Agbor. We demand justice for Onyeka and for all the innocent lives lost in this wave of senseless violence.
“We urge the Delta State Government to find those responsible and bring them to justice, not just for our sake, but for the sake of every family in our community living in fear.
“Our hearts are broken, but we remain steadfast in our demand for justice. We owe it to Onyeka’s memory, and we owe it to ourselves”, he lamented.
