Police, community mourn late DCP Victor Onyeugo
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, from across the 36 states of Nigeria, associates, friends and relatives last weekend converged at Umuohiagu Community, near Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, to pay their last respect to a departed colleague and loved one, late DCP Victor Ujunwa Onyeugo.
The mammoth crowd of sympathizers wailed profusely as the remains of the deceased DCP Onyeugo, arrived his family in a motorcade with the Imo State Police Command Band leading the procession.
Onyeugo, aged 57 years, until his untimely demise was the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Benue State Police Command and was awaiting his promotion to the rank of a commissioner of police, CP, before death struck.
Late Victor Onyeugo, who died on Sunday 4th September, 2022 after a brief illness, was buried at family compound in his hometown, Umuorisha, Umuohiagu in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State last Saturday.
As an ardent Catholic faithful, a funeral mass was conducted in his honour by the parishioners of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish, Onyeaghalanwanneya.
In a homily delivered at the service, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Opara admonished the congregation to use the occasion of mourning the deceased to reflect on their lives and always bear in mind that death is around and can strike anytime.
Fr. Opara who hinged his homily on the Gospel of Matthew 24:34-44 with theme, “No one knows the day and hour,” enjoined Christians to guard against ungodly lifestyle and living because death could be closer than expected.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of DCP Onyeugo and urged his aged mother, wife, children, siblings, relatives and colleagues to bear the loss with fortitude just as he prayed against untimely death in the area.
The priest who is a junior cousin to the deceased senior cop, described the death of Dee Victor, as he was fondly called by his younger ones, as a tragic and irreparable loss but emphasized that only trust and faith in God can heal the wounds and sorrow caused by his unexpected exit.
In his brief remark, the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Onyeaghalanwanneya, Very Rev. Dr. Ben. Oparaugo, charged Christians to be mindful of their lives as the times are evil and life is shorter than desired as well as remember that God is watching the ways of men.
Fr. Oparaugo noted that God is both merciful and just and will reward everyone according to his/her deeds while alive and therefore urged the people to always live with the fear of God.
In a tribute, the commissioner of police in charge of Benue State Command, CP Wale Abass, described the departed DCP as “a responsible officer who worked meritoriously and rose to the enviable rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police,” and brought his wealth of experience to bear in the performance of his duties.
CP Abass who was represented at the occasion by CSP Daniel Ezeala, added, “His transition at this time is most painful because it has created a vacuum that is difficult to fill. He impacted positively on all that came in contact with him. His administrative prowess endeared him to his superiors and subordinates.”
Earlier in a tribute signed by Collins Onyeugo on behalf of the family and read by Victor’s second daughter, the family expressed deep sense of loss over his death but said they take solace in exemplary life and attainments as a policeman, family man, Christian and Community leader.
Appreciating the guests for their heartfelt condolences and solidarity during the trying times, Barr. Raymond Onyeugo, Abuja-based lawyer and youngest brother to the late DCP, described the police officer as a role model and brother too precious to lose at this time.
He stated that the legacies of his brother which were exemplified in his humility, dutifulness, focus, generosity and firmness will keep his memory in the minds of all that lived around him while he was alive.
Highlight of occasion was the outpouring of condolence messages to the family from Office of Inspector-General of Police, Office of the Senate President, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State,Umuorisha Village, Umuohiagu Community, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo State, CP Dan Okoro(rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Security, Council of Ngor Okpala Traditional Rulers, represented by the chairman, HRH Eze Fredrick Nwachukwu, Ngor Okpala Development Association, Benue State branch, candidates and leaders of APC, APGA, Labour Party among several others.
