Chidike Emmanuel: Murder of popular skit maker sparks controversy

Controversy surrounds the tragic demise of skit maker, Chidike Emmanuel, purportedly slain by suspected herdsmen in Abuja last Saturday.

A concerned netizen, Loveline Imaobong, sounded the alarm, disclosing that the victim was discovered lifeless in a mortuary.

“The individual in the photo lies lifeless in the mortuary, having been attacked by Fulani men. Any lead to his family members would be appreciated. Kindly direct them to Mpape’s new police station, Berger Quarry. Please share until it reaches them,” she urged.

Imabong further asserted that Chidi was one of six individuals reportedly assaulted by herdsmen.

“Six of us fell victim to the attack, and he succumbed in the process. We are currently seeking information about any of his family members,” she added.

Providing an update, Imabong stated, “His closest relative in Abuja has made contact and visited the police station. Authorities are making concerted efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. Gratitude to everyone who aided in this endeavor.”

However, this narrative was promptly refuted by another netizen, UrglyGramm, tweeting as #urgly_gramm, who claimed that Chidi had no family in Abuja.

“Chidi has no relatives in Abuja, and this assertion by #Celebritylekpa that his family has already been there is false. Our source informed us that the police confirmed none of his family members have appeared.”

“Please like and retweet until this message reaches his family in Lagos, or kindly share his family’s contact as they are unaware of his demise, which occurred yesterday, not today,” he debunked.

Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, could not be reached, as he did not respond to messages sent to his phone at the time of compiling this report.

Subsequently, on Monday, netizens clamored for justice for Chidi, with #Justiceforchidi trending, leaving many puzzled about the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Sýn•ņpà, tweeting as #simplysympa, described his passing as tragic.

“The controversies surrounding Chidi’s demise are distressing. A dead person’s worst fate is to remain unburied. Family and friends require closure in grief for the deceased to rest in peace,” they lamented.

A prominent animal scientist, Arojinle, expressed his emotional turmoil over Chidi’s demise.

“I deleted one of my previous tweets due to its potentially slanderous nature, which I cannot substantiate. I have been advised to do so. I’m attempting to remain composed, but upon revisiting my chats with Chidi, I find it challenging. He shared videos of animals with me that I had never encountered before. Some of them I have yet to share,” he divulged.

Another user, Daisy, tweeting as #Adaherself, mourned, “I’m sorry Nigeria let you down. I’m sorry Abuja failed you, Chidi. You left Lagos for solace in Abuja, only for tragedy to strike. If only you had known, you would have stayed in Lagos. Damn! This one cuts deep.”