Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has appealed for calm following rising public outrage over the killing of Mena Ogidi, urging residents to allow due process as authorities investigate the incident.
The lawmaker made the call on Wednesday after a high-level meeting with senior police officials in Warri, Delta State. The meeting was held at the Nigeria Police Area Command and included the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi.
Also in attendance were members of the deceased’s family, including his cousin, Emuobor Alex, and elder brother, Victory Ogidi, who joined discussions on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the next steps toward justice.
The meeting followed the controversial killing of Mena Ogidi, allegedly by Assistant Superintendent of Police Nuhu Usman, an officer attached to the Nigeria Police Area Command in Effurun. The incident has triggered widespread anger across Delta State and beyond, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and reforms within the police force.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Senator Dafinone acknowledged the public’s anger but cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions or undermine ongoing investigations.
“Yes, I definitely call for calm. The public are angry, and we understand that. This is 2026 and nobody expects such a thing in this day and age. But the police are handling the matter,” he said.
He pointed to the swift response by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force as evidence that the matter is being treated with seriousness. According to him, the deployment of the AIG to Delta State on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police reflects a commitment to ensuring justice.
“The IGP has taken full charge of this issue by sending the AIG, while the Commissioner of Police is also on ground. That shows the seriousness with which the Nigerian Police are treating this matter,” Dafinone added.
The senator disclosed that police authorities used the meeting to convey condolences to the victim’s family and assured them that justice would be pursued.
“We were briefed by the AIG, who conveyed condolences from the Inspector-General of Police and assured us that justice would be done for the family of the deceased,” he said.
Describing the killing as both shocking and tragic, Dafinone emphasised that no responsible officer should discharge a firearm recklessly, especially against a restrained civilian in a public setting.
“We have lost a life, and condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased. It is a shocking shame that this could happen,” he stated.
While condemning the act, the lawmaker urged the public not to generalise the incident or condemn the entire police institution for the actions of one individual.
“This is not the police as a whole. It appears to be the conduct of one man acting outside orders and outside acceptable standards,” he noted.
He also warned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit the tragedy for political or personal gain, stressing that the focus should remain on justice and support for the bereaved family.
“Nobody should use this unfortunate incident for popularity or to make unnecessary accusations. The focus should be justice for the victim and support for the bereaved family,” Dafinone said.
Speaking at the meeting, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba confirmed that his presence in Delta State was on the direct instruction of the Inspector-General of Police, who was displeased with the incident and ordered immediate action.
“I am not here on my own. I am here on the instruction and directive of the Inspector-General of Police, who was not happy with what happened. He directed me to come and ensure that everything needful is done,” Garba said.
He reassured the victim’s family, the community, and the wider public that the matter would not be ignored or covered up.
“We came to assure the family and the community that justice will be done. I want to assure everybody that this matter will not be swept under the carpet,” he added.
Garba also described Senator Dafinone’s intervention as timely and helpful in calming tensions, noting that the lawmaker’s involvement underscores the importance of leadership and community engagement in crisis situations.
“His visit is timely because he is a stakeholder, a community leader and the representative of the constituency where the incident happened,” he said.
The killing of Mena Ogidi has intensified calls for greater accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, with civil society groups and citizens demanding reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, while urging the public to remain peaceful and allow the legal process to take its course.
