‎’Our Lives Are in Danger’ – Ugborodo Community Protests Alleged Release of Armed Suspects, Seeks Urgent Govt Intervention ‎

Residents of the Ugborodo Federated Communities in Delta State have staged a peaceful protest over what they described as worsening insecurity and alleged threats from suspected armed men, lamenting that no one in the community feels safe.
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‎The demonstration, organised by the Ugborodo Community Management Committee (UCMC), called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene to prevent another violent attack on the community.
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‎Speaking during the protest, Vice Chairman of the UCMC and Community Public Relations Officer of Ogidigben, Elder Austine Ajurenmisan, said residents were dressed in black to mourn victims of previous attacks and to draw attention to the security challenges facing the community
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‎According to him, “the latest concerns stem from an attack on Ogidigben Community in April, during which armed men allegedly invaded the area, causing panic among residents.”

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‎Ajurenmisan alleged that with the assistance of youths from neighbouring federated communities and military personnel, several suspects were apprehended and four AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other weapons were recovered before the suspects were handed over to the military.
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‎He expressed shock that videos later surfaced on social media allegedly showing one of the arrested suspects making fresh threats to launch another attack on the community.
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‎”Our lives are no longer safe. Men, women and children are living in fear because someone allegedly arrested with four AK-47 rifles and ammunition is now openly threatening to invade the community again,” he said.
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‎The community leader called on the Delta State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged release of the suspects.
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‎He said residents had expected the suspects to be transferred to appropriate investigative agencies for prosecution but were surprised to discover that one of them was no longer in custody.
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‎Ajurenmisan further alleged that individuals linked to the incident had been making threatening phone calls to residents, warning that they would be attacked whenever they were found.
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‎Also speaking, the Women’s Leader of Ugborodo, Mrs. Carolin Ekuajemi, said fear has gripped the community since the previous attack.”There has been no peace since the attack. My children and I can hardly sleep because of fear.
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“‎This is my home and I have nowhere else to run to,” she said while appealing to the Delta State Government and the Federal Government to provide adequate security.
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‎Similarly, the National Assistant Youth Secretary of the Ugborodo community, Iyonsi Jerry, urged authorities to take immediate action, arguing that anyone found in possession of prohibited firearms should face thorough investigation and prosecution.
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‎The protesters appealed to the Federal Government, the Delta State Government, the DSS, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security in the area and investigate the alleged threats to prevent further violence.
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‎As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies mentioned in the allegations had not issued an official response to the claims made by the protesters.

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