The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in kidnapping incidents and herder attacks in Delta State, particularly in Delta Central and Delta North.

In a press statement released on Sunday, July 28, 2024, titled “Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Calls for Immediate Action Against Rising Insecurity in Delta State,” the forum called on the Nigerian Police Force and all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing these menaces that threaten the peace and security of local communities.

The statement, signed by Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli and Secretary Shedrack Onitsha, highlighted a disturbing surge in kidnapping activities in recent weeks. It stated that major highways, including the Sapele-Effurun road and the East-West Road between Agbarho and Ughelli, have become hotspots for kidnappings and armed robbery attacks. It stated that travellers on these routes face significant risks, with reports of daily incidents.

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

The forum further stated that the peaceful community of Egbo-Urhe in Ughelli South Local Government Area is currently under siege by kidnappers.

“The once peaceful community of Egbo-Urhe in Ughelli South local government area is currently under siege by kidnappers”.

“From Ughelli to Effurun, Sapele, Oghara, Abraka, and Agbor, no area is considered safe as kidnappers target victims indiscriminately. This pervasive threat has instilled fear among families, disrupted businesses, and compromised the overall safety of citizens.”

In response to this escalating crisis, the Forum has urged the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to deploy additional resources and personnel to the affected areas.

It emphasized the necessity of swift and decisive action to dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence in the security apparatus.

Furthermore, the DOPF appealed to the state government to support security agencies with logistics and other tools to enhance intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives.

“Strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups is seen as crucial to creating a formidable defence against these threats.”

In addition to addressing immediate security concerns, the forum called on the state government to engage in meaningful dialogue with herder communities. Such discussions are essential to addressing the underlying issues contributing to the attacks and fostering peaceful coexistence to prevent future conflicts.

The statement highlighted the severe impact on local agriculture, noting that many Deltans face starvation because they cannot safely access their farms.

“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,” the statement concluded.

The Full Statement

Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Calls for Immediate Action Against Rising Insecurity in Delta State

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) expresses grave concern over the alarming increase in kidnapping incidents and herder attacks in Delta State, particularly Delta Central and Delta North. We call upon the Nigerian Police Force and all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing these menaces that threaten the peace and security of our communities.

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, 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.

A once peaceful community, Egbo-Urhe in the Ughelli South local government area, is currently under siege by kidnappers. From Ughelli to Effurun, Sapele, Oghara, Abraka and Agbor, nowhere is safe as kidnappers pick their victims lick hawk. Families are living in fear, businesses are suffering, and the overall safety of our citizens is at stake.

The DOPF urges the Inspector General of Police 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. It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to dismantle these criminal networks and restore confidence in our security apparatus.

We also appeal to the State Government 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 defence against these threats.

Furthermore, the DOPF calls 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 starvations because they can’t go to their farms without being attacked.

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.

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