22/12/2025
: 43-Year-Old Man Beaten to Death Over Alleged Affair in Delta Community
A 43-year-old man, identified as Erhieyovwe Erhiga Matthew, has been reportedly beaten to death by community youths in Okoroke-Ovu, after Oviore, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, following allegations that he was involved with a married woman.
According to accounts, the incident occurred on October 28, when Mr. Matthew was accused of having an affair with a woman who has been separated from her husband, Mr. Onoriode Efferunu, for about one year.
The woman reportedly left the marriage due to domestic violence and irreconcilable differences. She has four children from the union.
Sources allege that Mr. Efferunu, described as an influential figure within the community, had previously warned that any man seen associating with his estranged wife would face severe consequences.
On the day of the incident, Mr. Matthew was allegedly confronted by youths who claimed he was seen discussing with the woman.
Despite attempts to explain his innocence, he was reportedly restrained, severely assaulted, and taken before community elders.
Witnesses claim that the elders present allegedly failed to intervene to stop the violence. Mr. Matthew was later rushed to a hospital by his family but succumbed to his injuries.
The woman at the center of the allegation has since denied having any romantic relationship with the deceased, insisting that the incident stemmed from her estranged husbandโs alleged threats and actions.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that suspects have been arrested, and legal representatives connected to Mr. Efferunu are reportedly seeking bail at the Delta State Police Command headquarters in Asaba.
The matter is said to be under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).Human rights advocates and community members have called for a thorough, transparent investigation, urging the police to also question community elders who were allegedly present during the assault for possible conspiracy and failure to prevent the killing.
The case has continued to generate public outrage, with calls for justice and accountability as investigations continue.
More details are expected to emerge.
โ Comr. Israel Joe
Nigeria Police Force Delta State Command
Nigeria Police Force
