Tension In Delta As Gunmen Wreak Havoc, DOPF Raises Alarm Over Escalating Insecurity

…Calls for dialogue, collaboration to address insecurity

An envelope of fear have encased sleepy Egbo-Urhe community in Ughelli South local government area of Delta state as unknown gunmen have reportedly taken hold of the area, unleashing a reign of terror on residents.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the community has been under siege for a while now, with the gunmen allegedly perpetrating heinous crimes, including maiming, rape, and kidnapping of residents at random.

The situation has become so dire that many residents have fled the community in fear of being attacked, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods.

The once-peaceful community is now gripped with fear and uncertainty, as the whereabouts and identities of the gunmen remain unknown.

Meanwhile, the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have frown at the alarming increase in kidnapping incidents and herder attacks in Delta State, particularly in Delta Central and Delta North.

The forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, Secretary, on Sunday, stated that besides Egbo-Urhe which is currently under siege by kidnappers, Ughelli to Effurun, Sapele, Oghara, Abraka and Agbor, are also not safe as kidnappers pick their victims at random.

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The group disclosed that families are living in fear, businesses are suffering, and the overall safety of “our citizens is at stake”.

“In recent weeks, there has been a disturbing surge in kidnapping activities, particularly in state major highways, Sapele-Effurrun road, the East-west Road between Agbarho and Ughelli and between Ughelli/Patani roads.

“Hardly a day passes without reported cases of kidnap and armed robbery attacks on the routes.

“Traveling through these roads is like daring your fate, because it takes a miracle to pass unhurt”, the group lamented.

Drawing the attention of the Nigerian Police Force and all relevant security agencies to the disturbing security challenges, DOPF, called on them to “intensify their efforts in curbing these menaces that threaten the peace and security of our communities”.

Specifically, DOPF urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, to deploy additional resources and personnel to the affected areas to ensure the protection of lives and property.

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“It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore confidence in our security apparatus”

DOPF, also appealed to the Delta State Government to support the security agencies with logistics and other tools to enhance intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives, which are crucial in preventing these crimes before they occur.

“The collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups should be strengthened to create a formidable defense against these threats, the group admonished.

Furthermore, DOPF called on the state government to engage in meaningful dialogue with herder communities to address the underlying issues contributing to these attacks.

“Sustainable solutions must be found to foster peaceful coexistence and prevent future conflicts.

“Today, most Deltans are facing starvation because they can’t go to their farms without being attacked.

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“The safety and security of our citizens are paramount, and we must all work together to put an end to these acts of violence and ensure a safe and prosperous Delta State, DOPF added.