By Anne Azuka
The Delta State media community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Punch correspondent Matthew Ochei, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after a brief illness.Ochei reportedly died at about 2:00 a.m. at the age of 43. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Uche Matthew Ochei, and three children. His remains have been deposited at a morgue in Ukunzu, his hometown in Delta State.The news of the Punch correspondent’s death has sent shockwaves across Delta State and the wider Nigerian media space, where Ochei was widely known for his courage, professionalism, and principled approach to journalism.Colleagues described him as a fearless and vibrant reporter whose work stood out at a time when the profession faces declining standards, poor welfare conditions, and increasing pressure.
Leading a condolence visit to the bereaved family at Ochei’s residence in Okwe Quarters, Asaba, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, paid glowing tribute to the late journalist.Oyowe described Ochei as “a vibrant voice at a time when journalism was becoming lazy,” noting that his dedication and passion for the profession would be deeply missed.“Matthew Ochei was one of those journalists whose vibrance will remain evergreen in the practice of the profession,” Oyowe said.
He urged the family to find strength in faith, adding that only God could provide true comfort in such a difficult moment.“We came to console you, but it is only God that can truly console you. There are no words enough to reduce this pain. Please take heart and let the Lord be your strength,” he said. The NUJ chairman assured the family of the union’s continued support, encouraging them to keep close contact with the union during the period of mourning.“We will not relent in doing our best for the family. We pray that God will console you and give you the right frame of mind to bear this loss,” Oyowe added.
Also speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described the death of Matthew Ochei as both a personal and professional loss.Olannye noted that the late journalist served as Vice Chairman of the chapel and was a dependable colleague who played a key role in its activities.“Matthew was my Vice Chairman. He was a titan, a dependable colleague. We prayed for his recovery, but we lost him. Who are we to question God? The Maker has called him,” he said.
He described Ochei as God-fearing, careful, and deeply committed to his duties, stressing that no form of material support could fill the vacuum created by his passing.“No amount of money will replace Matthew. Find a place in your heart to bear the loss. I am deeply pained, but life and death are decisions of God,” Olannye added.Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Faith Iyama expressed appreciation to the NUJ and members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel for their visit and solidarity. She appealed to the union and colleagues not to abandon the family during this difficult period.
The death of Punch correspondent Matthew Ochei has once again raised concerns about the welfare, health, and support systems available to journalists in Nigeria, many of whom work under intense pressure with limited safety nets.As colleagues, friends, and the wider media community mourn his passing, Ochei is remembered as a committed professional whose voice and integrity helped sustain journalism in challenging times.
