Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly has called for calm amid growing public outrage over the killing of Mena Ogidi, following a high-level meeting with police authorities in Warri on Wednesday.
The senator made the appeal after a meeting with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, at the Nigeria Police Area Command, Warri. Also present was the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi.
The family of the late Mena Ogidi also attended the meeting, led by his cousin, Emuobor Alex, and his elder brother, Victory Ogidi.
The meeting followed the extra-judicial killing of Mena Ogidi by ASP Nuhu Usman, an officer attached to the Nigeria Police Area Command, Effurun.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the senator said while the anger of residents was understandable, people should allow due process and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“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,” Dafinone said.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police had demonstrated seriousness by deploying the AIG to Delta State to personally supervise developments.
“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,” he stated.
Dafinone said police authorities assured the victim’s family that justice would be served.
“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 added.
The senator described the incident as shocking and tragic, saying no responsible officer should use a firearm recklessly against a restrained civilian in broad daylight.
“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 said.
He, however, urged the public not to condemn the entire police institution over the actions of one officer.
“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 said.
Dafinone also advised individuals and groups against exploiting the tragedy for attention or political relevance.
“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,” he said.
Speaking, AIG Garba said he was in Delta State on the direct instruction of the Inspector-General of Police, who was displeased by the incident and demanded 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 assured the family, community and stakeholders that the matter would not be swept aside.
“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,” the AIG stated.
Garba also described Senator Dafinone’s visit as timely, noting that the lawmaker’s presence had strengthened efforts to calm tensions.
“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 sparked outrage in Delta State and across Nigeria, with many citizens demanding accountability and reforms in police conduct.
