By Our Reporter in Asaba

Tension has continued to mount in Delta State following the death of a Deputy Director in the Ministry of Secondary Education, Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, with workers shutting down the State Secretariat in Asaba and police commencing a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.Adeda reportedly died on Friday, September 25, 2026, a day after an altercation at the Prof. Chike Odozien Secretariat in Asaba, where the Ministry of Secondary Education is located. His death has generated widespread concern among civil servants, labour unions and members of the public.The incident has been linked to allegations that the deceased was assaulted during a confrontation involving the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, as well as some of his aides. However, the commissioner has firmly denied the allegations and maintained that he neither assaulted Adeda nor directed anyone to attack him.According to accounts circulating among ministry workers and labour groups, the deputy director was allegedly involved in a dispute that escalated into a physical confrontation. The claims have not been independently established by investigators and remain the subject of ongoing police inquiries.Responding to the allegations, Dr Ashibogwu said he only intervened after receiving distress calls from officials within the ministry who reported that Adeda was allegedly behaving aggressively and threatening some staff members. He insisted that he did not participate in any assault and rejected claims that he ordered anyone to attack the deceased.The Delta State Police Command has since taken over the investigation. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that the matter had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for a comprehensive probe.As part of the investigation, police arrested one suspect identified as Lucky Adoh, while efforts are ongoing to locate two other persons of interest, Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, who are reportedly being sought in connection with the case.The police said investigators would examine all available evidence, including witness statements and medical reports, to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death and determine whether any criminal liability exists.The development triggered an immediate reaction from organised labour in the state. Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil servants shut down entrances to the Delta State Secretariat in Asaba, effectively disrupting official activities and demanding a transparent investigation.Protesting workers called on the state government and security agencies to ensure that justice is served and that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law. Labour leaders stressed that no individual should be above the law regardless of status or position.Several workers described the incident as disturbing and urged authorities to release the findings of the investigation as soon as possible to prevent misinformation and restore confidence within the civil service.Meanwhile, ministry officials and labour representatives have appealed for calm, urging workers and members of the public to allow investigators to carry out their duties without interference or prejudice.As of the time of filing this report, no autopsy findings or official investigative conclusions had been released by the police. Authorities have therefore cautioned against drawing conclusions until all facts surrounding the death have been fully established.The case has become one of the most talked-about developments in Delta State, with many observers closely monitoring the outcome of the police investigation and any subsequent actions that may be taken by the state government.