A Nigerian, Alika Ogochukwu, 39-year-old on Friday, July 29, 2022, was beaten to death with his crutch in Corso Umberto I, Civitanova Marche city in the Province of Macerata, Marche Region of Italy by an Italian.
Ogochukwu, who until his death was living in San Severino March with his family, travelled to the coast city of Civitanova, where he engaged in street begging following an accident he had some months ago which crippled him for which he had been on crutches.
It was gathered that his killer, identified as a 32 year old Italian man from Campania area of Italy, used Ogochukwu’s crutch to attack, strangled and kill him over altercation on a woman.
Curiously, residents and bystanders of the area merely watched and recorded video as Ogochukwu’s assailant hauled him to the ground and strangled him to death. It was further gathered that none of the onlookers lifted a finger to save the handicapped Nigerian in what perceived to be a premeditated attack.
Police Ambulance services later arrived the scene of the murder and attempted to revive Ogochukwu but it was it was too late in the day as he pronounced dead.
Possible Cause of Crisis
It was gathered that the crisis that led to Ogochukwu’s death started after the late Ogochukwu allegedly spoke with a lady who was in the company of the 32-year-old Italian.
Standard Gazette quoted a Nigerian resident, Festus Elemwonbo, who is an incoming vice President of Nigerian Union Ancona, sa saying; “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 Italian attacker was however arrested immediately when the police team led by Claudio Rastrelli arrived at the scene.
The Nigerian Embassy in Rome confirmed the news in a statement saying that 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 further 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 also said that 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.
“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,” the statement said.
