Traditional rulers of the Anioma ethnic group in Delta North, Delta State, recently convened at Owa-Oyibu in Ika North East Local Government Area to raise the alarm over the increasing kidnappings by profit-driven abductors targeting farmers and citizens.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman, Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, and Vice Chairman, Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Dr. Henry Kikachukwu I, the monarchs expressed their deep concern: “We are alarmed at the devastating menace of insecurity in the land to the extent that our people no longer go to the farm for fear of either being killed or kidnapped. Our women are being constantly raped and abused by criminals who have taken the thick forest and bush as their place of abode. Are these issues not enough challenges for our politicians to address?”
Despite this urgent call, kidnappings have only increased in the senatorial district. Delta Central (Urhobo ethnic group) is similarly affected, with herder-kidnappers and local youths allegedly collaborating to terrorize the populace.
### Escalating Violence: 10 Killed, 50 Kidnapped in One Year
The Abavo community in Ika South Local Government Area has been particularly hard-hit, with gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacking farmers. Reports indicate that herders have taken over farmlands in Ekwuoma, Okpe, Oyoko, and Obiayima quarters. Attacks have intensified, with over 10 people, including Elder Francis Amamosa, the pioneer Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abavo Ward 10, killed in their fields, and about 50 others kidnapped for ransom over the past year.
### Recent Incidents and Community Response
Last Monday, suspected herdsmen attacked Okpe-Abavo, killing 55-year-old farmer Mr. Friday Jegbefume and kidnapping his wife. The abductors demanded a N20 million ransom for Mrs. Anthonia Jegbefume’s release.
Pastor Justin Onyeibe, President-General of the Abavo Clan Union, highlighted the dire situation: “It has been a time of terror by herdsmen. Our people no longer go to their farms; many have been kidnapped, our women have been raped, and many persons have been killed. We have not been able to start a new farming season. We have sought help from the police multiple times, but their efforts have yielded no results due to the sophisticated weapons these criminals possess.”
Felix Okpu, a member of the Abavo Security Committee, echoed these sentiments: “Everything is grounded. At this time last year, our women were selling okro daily, but now nothing is happening. You cannot go to the farm because if you are kidnapped, the ransom demand is beyond our means. We are helpless and need the intervention of the state government and the Inspector General of Police.”
### Plea for Government Intervention
Vincent Okonta, Secretary General of the Abavo Clan Union, urged the state government to assist: “If we are left alone to battle hunger because of what is happening, nobody knows the fate of any Abavo indigene by this time next year.”
The community’s appeal underscores the urgent need for effective security measures and government intervention to restore safety and normalcy to the region.