By Bernard Okoro
Delta State, Nigeria –The story of the Ogala family has become an example of how political power struggles in Nigeria can destroy lives, businesses, and future while government silence deepens the wounds.
Mr. Bonfere Ogala, a well known businessman, politician and philanthropist, once thrived in Delta State, Nigeria. He was admired for his generosity, particularly, towards the widows and vulnerable families, and he ran several successful businesses and ventures. But his rising influence put him at odds with entrenched political godfathers.
For years, Bonfere repeatedly reported threats to his life, yet no meaningful response came from the authorities. Eventually, he was forced into hiding and escaped Nigeria to an undisclosed location. His silence and absence left a vacuum not only in his family but also, in his community.
The crisis reached a devastating peak on August 18, 2024, when his younger brother, Vickram Ogala, was murdered. Vickram had just returned from India after completing his studies, only to be cut down in what was officially dismissed as a “Cult Fight.” However, independent investigations revealed that his death was tied directly to the political vendetta against Bonfere.
Witnesses believed that Vickram was targeted simply because he was driving Bonfere’s car, with his killers mistaking him for the elder brother. Others argued that the killing was a calculated move to flush Bonfere out of hiding, a cruel strategy to force him into the open where he could be easily silenced.
The consequences have been catastrophic. The Ogala family businesses have collapsed, widows who depended on Bonfere’s philanthropy have been abandoned, and the community has been robbed of a benefactor. What remains is grief, suspicion, and an ever-widening silence from those in power.
Despite repeated petitions and growing evidence linking the murder to political interests, the government has taken no concrete step to investigate Vickram’s death or to protect Bonfere’s rights. Instead, the tragedy is quietly being buried, like countless others in Nigeria where power often outweighs justice.
The Ogala family’s ordeal is a painful reminder of how unchecked political influence and government inaction continue to cost innocent lives. For now, Bonfere’s whereabouts remain unknown, while his family bears the heavy weight of loss, betrayal, and unanswered questions.
Meanwhile, it could be recalled that attacks against Bonfere started in December, 2022 when thugs of the biggest opposition party in Nigeria, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP declared war on him. This attack took place less than a year to the 2023 general elections. Bonfere escaped death on the night of December 28, 2022 as hired assassins raided his house in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Our reporters reliably gathered then, that the assassination attempt on the popular Labour Party youth leader, businessman and philanthropist was carried out by thugs hired by leaders of the ruling party in the state, PDP. The yet to be arrested assassins forced themselves into Bonfere’s compound and started shooting sporadically as they gained entrance into his apartment.
According to a family member of Bonfere, Mr Ogala Isioma, ” We were together in my brother’s house that fateful night of December 28,2022 when suddenly, we heard loud gun shots. As the gun shots became uncontrollable, we quickly realized that our lives are in danger, so, my brother, Bonfere directed that we should all make use of the back door from where we exit out of the compound. If not for the back door escape, the assassins would have killed Bonfere and the rest of us”.
He disclosed that Bonfere was before now a loyal and committed member of PDP. He left PDP few months to the 2023 general elections and joined Labour Party, whose presidential candidate was Mr Peter Obi. Majority of the Nigerian populace are supporting Peter Obi. The Obi for president movement later became very strong and organized. Angered by the untiring, efforts, dedication and commitment of my brother, Mr Ogala Augustine Bonfere towards the actualization of Peter Obi presidency, the PDP leaders declared war against him. Many threat messages were sent to his phone, including direct calls with hidden identities. The threats on my brother’s life continued until the night of December 28 when they finally invaded his compound. We have reported the case to the police, Delta State Command. They have come to the house for inspection and photos were taken. We are waiting anxiously for justice to be done.”
He thanked God that Bonfere escaped the hot bullets of assassins. He advised that his brother, Bonfere should not return to Delta or anywhere in Nigeria at the moment as the PDP leaders are still after him. Our reporters reliably gathered that Bonfere s wife was caught by the PDP thugs and was raped in the process. Since the sad incident happened she and her kids got missing and till this moment no family member knew about their whereabouts.
Meanwhile, efforts made by our reporters to speak to Mr Ogala Augustine Bonfere was not successful as our reporters gathered that he has travelled out of Nigeria for his safety.
