‘Three Itsekiri Youth Leaders Allegedly Abducted, Lock up in Illegal Cell in Delta’

Three Itsekiri youths from Ijaghala Community Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have been reportedly abducted and locked up in an illegal cell in Ijaw riverine community, a leader of Ijaghala community and Ugborodo federated communities, Alex Eyengho, has alleged.

Eyengho alleged that the youths Mayomi Ololo Abeson, Adeyemi Tobi, Glory Macaully, Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer of Ijaghala Community branch of the Ugborodo Community National Youth body respectively were taken hostage by gunmen suspected to be from Gbaramatu-Ijaw.

He claimed that the youths were abducted from their community and taken to the riverine community where they are “locked up in an illegal prison”.

“The incident happened since Saturday, July 25, 2026, and all efforts to reach the trio have been impossible, as their phones are unreachable”, he added.

Eyengho, said “the action is shocking, oppresive, intimidating and unbelievable in a 21st century Delta State and Nigeria.”

According to Eyengho, “this is a further confirmation that indeed, private and illegal prisons are being operated in the headqarters of Gbaramatu-Ijaw.

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“This is unacceptable. The relevant security agencies should swing into action immediately to ensure the security and the safety of the kidnapped Ijaghala/Ugborodo Community youth executives.

“This is totally unacceptable, to say the least. Nothing should happen to the trio. Indeed, steps shall be taking within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria to address this brazen act of intimidation!”

Eyengho said that the incident is a confirmation to the allegations in the public space that private and illegal prisons are currently operating in the area.

No response from key Gbaramatu-Ijaw leaders as at press time on Sunday over the allegations but an Itsekiri activist, Comrade (Mrs) Tsaye Edema, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene on the reported incident.

Edema, stated that the Itsekiris have been the most victimized in the administration, where, according to her, “the Gbaramatu ijaws continue to oppress our people with impunity believing they have dollarized the system.”

“Enough is enough of this oppression and if our brothers are not released from the illegal private prisons…then anarchy is looming, as we shall resist the continuous invasion of our communities and persistent kidnapping of our people all in a bid to annex our God given communities in 21st century,” she stated.

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“First, it was Omadino, Aja jelebe, Akpata, Tisun, Ajagbodudu, Kantu and Ijaghala. Which community is next in their invasion strategy? Who’s next in their kidnapping agenda before the government would take action? We are demanding for the unconditional release of all hostages from the Ijaghala community in Ugborodo with immediate effect,” she lamented.

“It’s very clear to all well meaning Itsekiris that the current Delta State Governor is anti Itsekiri and always silent in the midst of oppression against our people. She called on the President to declare a state of emergency in Delta State.