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Victor Okpomor
The Federal as well as Delta State Governments and security agencies have been called upon for immediate intervention and collective action on the rising and worsening insecurity in Oghara Kingdom of Ethiope West Local Government Area in Delta State.
This call was made by Oghara Study Group (OSG) in a statement signed by Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Ogheneruonah Eghweree, Convener and Co-convener respectively of the group made available to Daily Independent in Warri, they expressed grief and outrage over the worsening security situation in the Kingdom, they also called on the authorities of Ethiope West Local Government Council to take the bull by the horn and tackle the sad state of insecurity in the area that has recorded one death and some kidnapping cases.
The group stated that the recent abduction of a husband and wife, the brutal killing of the husband by kidnappers, and the release of the wife after a ransom payment have exposed the frightening level of insecurity threatening communities in the kingdom.
The group said that the tragedy has left families devastated, heightened fear among residents, and is enough reason for urgent need for decisive action. The group said that there are other cases.
According to the Oghara Study Group, “Oghara Kingdom, once known for its peaceful and hospitable environment, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for kidnappings, violent attacks, armed robbery, banditry, and senseless killings.”
The group said that the rising wave of criminality has disrupted social and economic life, forced farmers off their farmlands, put businesses under constant threats, and causes limited movement of people in Kingdom.
While condemning the rising cases of reported criminality in very strong terms strongly, the Oghara Study Group extended condolences to the family of the slain man and to his wife, who endured abduction and the loss of her husband, adding, “no family should ever have to experience such unimaginable cruelty, again.”
The group also condemned criminal gangs terrorizing the area, insisting that criminality has no ethnic, religious, or political justification. It urged security agencies to identify, arrest, investigate, and prosecute all those responsible, and ensure they face the wrath of the law.
The group then called on the Federal and Delta State Governments as well as the Ethiope West Local Government Council, and security agencies namely the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Defense Corps, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Navy with its Logistics Command Headquarters in Oghara and other intelligence bodies, to urgently deploy more personnel, intelligence capabilities, surveillance technology, and operational logistics to restore the much needed peace in the Kingdom.
The group specifically urged authorities to launch sustained operations to dismantle criminal hideouts and rescue remaining kidnap victims; intensify intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration; increase patrols along roads, rural communities, farmlands, and waterways; and establish rapid-response mechanisms for prompt intervention.
Oghara Study Group also asked for thorough investigations into the recent kidnapping and killing to ensure all those connected are brought to justice, and for stronger community policing through better collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
The Study Group further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organizations, religious bodies, market associations, and civil society groups to deepen cooperation with security agencies through lawful information sharing, vigilance, and community-based security initiatives.
The group added, “Security remains a shared responsibility, and every law-abiding resident has a role to play”.
The group cautioned residents against mob justice, ethnic profiling, vigilantism, or reprisals against innocent persons. It emphasized that criminals should be identified and prosecuted based on credible evidence and the rule of law, not on assumptions about ethnicity, nationality, or background.
The group spoke further, “this is a defining moment for the Oghara Kingdom. We cannot remain silent while innocent people are kidnapped, families are forced to pay ransom, and lives are lost to violent criminals. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of the government.”
The Oghara Study Group said it remains committed to engaging relevant authorities, advocating for stronger security measures, and supporting all lawful efforts to restore peace and rebuild public confidence in the kingdom’s security framework.
Oghara Study Group noted further, “enough is enough. The safety and security of the people of Oghara Kingdom must become an immediate national, state, and local governments priority. Our people deserve to live, work, farm, and travel in peace. The time for decisive action is now.”
