BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, has said that, the unfortunate incident leading to the death of Joseph Pessu was antithetical to the basic reason for which the state lockdown order was initiated.
Barr. Otuaro stated this today in Warri while paying a condolence visit to the family of late Joseph Pessu in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State.
It would be recalled that, a soldier allegedly shot the 28-year-old father of two, Joseph Pesu, dead in Delta State while enforcing the lockdown order imposed on the state by the state government as part of efforts to address the covid-19 pandemic.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 2, at Ada Val Arenyenka Street in Ugbuwangue community in Warri South Local Government Area. It was the second day of the lockdown directive issued by Governor Okowa, and the victim, Joseph Pesu, was reportedly trying to purchase medicine for his pregnant wife when he was shot dead by the soldier.
Barr. Otuaro who on behalf of the Delta State government expressed condolence to the head of the Pessu family Mr. Lucky Pessu, father of late Joseph Pessu, Mr. Monday Pessu, as well as other members present, noted that, the unfortunate incident came to state government and general public with a rude shock.
According to him, “On behalf of the Delta State Government, I am here with members of my entourage to condole with the Pessu family on the very unfortunate passing on of our beloved son, Joseph Pessu. There is no gainsaying the fact that the unfortunate incident come to the Delta State government and the general public with a rude shock. The reason being that, of all the modalities that the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa led-government did put in place to check the spread of Covid-19 virus was well intended”. Barr. Otuaro stated.
According to the deputy governor, the lockdown was borne out of good intention, it was borne out to ensuring that government uphold its fundamental responsibilty of protecting lives and property.
“And when we heard of the incident, we were truly shocked because it was quite antithetical to the basic reason for which we had the lockdown, for which security agencies were also meant to enforce the said lockdown”.
“What has happened has happened, it is unfortunate and irreversible, but we deem it fit as a government to come and condole with the Pessu family, a very notable family in Warri federal constituency”.
“It is our prayer that God almighty will grant the wife, children and other members of the Pessu family the fortitude to take on this irreparable loss”. Barr. Otuaro state.
Barr. Otuaro who encourage the head of the family as well as the wife and children of late Joseph Pessu to be strong, noted that, it is in the plan of the state government that, immidiately after the funeral rites of Joseph Pessu, governement will reach out to the family through the chairman of Warri South Local government Area.
The Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Mr. Michael Tidi, while responding on behalf of the Pessu family, expressed thanks to deputy governor and the state government for the show of concern and love to the people.
Mr. Tidi noted that, the spontaneous reaction by the deputy governor when call was put through to him over the incident shows the depth of sympathy that he has been displaying ever since the loss of Joseph Pessu.
He noted that the condolence visit by the state government shows the concern and love government have for every Deltan irrespective of age and tribe.
Mr. Tidi said, the good people of Warri South were indeed greatful to the state government for empathizing and identifying with the Pessu family and the people of the Warri South on the loss of their son.