Alika Ogochukwu, killed in Italy
A 39-year-old Nigerian man, Alika Ogochukwu, has been beaten to death with a crutch in Corso Umberto I, Civitanova Marche city in the Province of Macerata, Marche Region of Italy.
Ogochukwu, who would have been 40 in November, lived in San Severino March with his family but travelled to the coast city of Civitanova, where he engaged in street begging after the accident he had months ago crippled him. He had been using a crutch to support himself. His killer used the crutch to attack and kill him. Name of his wife was given as Vero C Severino
He was attacked and strangled by a 32-year-old Italian man from Campania area of Italy over a woman.
Residents and bystanders watched and made video as his assailant hauled him to the ground in their neighbourhood and strangled him to death. None of the onlookers lifted a finger to save the Nigerian in what looked like a premeditated attack. Instead, they snapped out their phones to video the show of violence.
A particular man, suspected to be a media man, was seen filming the death of Ogochukwu amid the barking of a dog with a professional video recorder hanging over his shoulder.
Police Ambulance services arrived, and attempted to revive Ogochukwu but failed as he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident happened in the afternoon of Friday, 29 July, on the street.
The problem started, according to unverified information, after Ogochukwu allegedly talked with the woman who was in the company of the 32-year-old Italian.
Standard Gazette quoting a Nigerian resident, Festus Elemwonbo, an incoming vice President of Nigerian Union Ancona, reports: “It happened close to my house. He is a disabled man who had an accident some time ago. In Italy, if you don’t have a job, you do “Shoroti”, so he was doing that on the street. I heard he argued with the Italian guy, which led to the fight.”
The attacker was arrested immediately as the police team led by Claudio Rastrelli arrived at the scene.
The attacker was arrested as the police team led by Claudio Rastrelli arrived at the scene.
The Nigerian Embassy in Rome confirmed the news in a statement.
“The incident occurred on a busy street, in front of shocked onlookers, some of whom made videos of the attack, with little or no attempt to prevent it,” the statement said.
“His Excellency, Ambassador Mfawa Omini Abam has condemned the gruesome murder and has commiserated with Mrs. Charity Oriachi, wife of the deceased and the rest of his family.
“His Excellency has directed the provision of immediate consular assistance as appropriate.”
The Embassy said it is currently collaborating with relevant Italian authorities to ensure justice is served and to provide succour to the family of the deceased.
“Ambassador Abam wishes to enjoin members of the Nigerian community in Italy to remain calm and to refrain from taking laws into their hands,” the statement added.
“His Excellency wishes to reassure Nigerians in Italy that citizen’s diplomacy remained the key thrust of his administration and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all Nigerians in Italy receive timely, efficient and professional consular services.”
