In a disturbing development from Delta State, police authorities have apprehended two farm workers in connection with the murder of their manager at a fish pond facility in Akwukwu-Igbo.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed yesterday that David Tacho and Daniel Orshio have been arrested for allegedly conspiring to kill Chigozie Udalor, who managed the fish pond where they worked. Two additional suspects implicated in the crime Pius Daniel and Victor Tacho – remain at large as police intensify their search efforts.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the investigation began after the victim’s cousin, Hyacinth Nnalue, filed a missing person report on December 12, 2024. Nnalue had informed authorities that his cousin, who managed operations at the Bod Camp fish pond in Akwukwu-Igbo, had not been seen since December 10.
The case initially handled by the Akwukwu-Igbo Police Division was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department following directives from Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda for a comprehensive investigation.
The breakthrough came on March 31, 2025, when David Tacho was apprehended while attempting to make an unauthorized withdrawal from the deceased’s Moniepoint account using the victim’s mobile phone. His accomplice, Daniel Orshio, was arrested shortly afterward.
Police investigations have revealed a disturbing motive behind the crime. According to SP Edafe, “The suspects, who were all employees of the deceased, discovered he had substantial funds in his account. They hatched a plot to kill him, striking him on the head with a hammer before restraining him and burying his remains in a shallow grave at the fish pond site.”
Following the arrests, police have exhumed the victim’s body for autopsy as part of their ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, authorities continue their manhunt for the two suspects still at large Victor Tacho, who is the brother of one of the arrested suspects, and Pius Daniel.
The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice and has urged anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects to contact the nearest police station.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and security in remote agricultural settings across the state. Community leaders in Akwukwu-Igbo have called for increased vigilance and improved security measures at isolated business locations throughout Delta State.
