
Chidike Emmanuel, a skit maker, has tragically lost his life in Abuja under contentious circumstances allegedly involving attacks by suspected herdsmen, stirring up a wave of controversy.
The incident came to light when Loveline Imaobong, a concerned netizen, posted on social media claiming, “The guy in the picture is lying lifeless in the mortuary, he was attacked by Fulani men. Any lead to his family members would be appreciated. They should please go to Mpape’s new police station, Berger Quarry. Please repost till it gets to them.”
Imaobong further asserted that Chidike was among six individuals reportedly assaulted during the incident, and efforts were underway to locate his family members. She later updated, stating, “His closest relative in Abuja has reached out and visited the police station. The police are putting in efforts to ensure the perpetrators will be apprehended. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this.”
However, these claims were rebutted by another netizen identified as UrglyGramm, tweeting under #urgly_gramm, who asserted that Chidike had no family in Abuja. “Chidi has no family in Abuja and this girl #Celebritylekpa claims that his family has already been there but our source told us that the police said none of his family has been present. Please like and retweet till this tweet gets to his family in Lagos or share please share his family contact because they do not know anything about this death and he has been dead since yesterday not today.”
Efforts to obtain clarification from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, proved futile as he did not respond to messages at the time of filing this report.
On social media, the hashtag #Justiceforchidi has gained traction, with many users expressing confusion and calling for clarity surrounding the circumstances of Chidike’s death. Sýn•ņpà, tweeting as #simplysympa, described the situation as appalling, stating, “The controversy surrounding Chidi’s demise is so appalling. A worse thing that could happen to a dead person is to be left unburied. Family and friends need closure in grief and for the dead to rest in peace too.”
Prominent figures like animal scientist Arojinle also expressed emotional reactions to Chidike’s passing. “I deleted one of my earlier tweets because it contained what can be termed a murder allegation which I can’t prove. I have been advised to do so. I’m trying not to get emotional but when I read my chats with Chidi, I can’t help it. I have videos of animals he shared that I never knew about before. I haven’t even posted some of them yet.”
Daisy, tweeting as #Adaherself, lamented the tragic turn of events, saying, “I’m sorry Nigeria happened to you. I’m sorry Abuja happened to you Chidi. You only left Lagos to Abuja for solace, quite unfortunate it was truncated. Had it been you knew, you would have just remained in Lagos Damn!! This one hurts.”