ABRAKA, Delta State — June 5, 2025
By Foster Akpore
As fears over insecurity mount in Abraka and other parts of Delta State, Infectious Disease Specialist and community leader, Olorogun Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho, has issued a passionate appeal to the state government to immediately empower and arm community vigilantes to reclaim forests and bushes from criminal elements.
Dr. Ughwanogho warned that communities across Delta are facing an “existential threat”, as suspected terrorist elements and kidnappers increasingly terrorize rural and urban populations. He called for urgent action by the State and Local Governments to equip local security networks and register informal operators like okada riders, herders, and scrap dealers, insisting they show proof of residence, NIN, and voter ID before operating.
“Terrorists from wherever they come must not be allowed to displace our people from their farms and homes,” Dr. Ughwanogho said. “Arm the vigilantes, pay them stipends, and let them take control of every forest and bush in their locality.”
He also condemned the insensitivity displayed by some of the governor’s aides, who chose to disparage peaceful protesters rather than acknowledge their legitimate demand for government protection.
“Those defending government in the face of daily killings must remember—terrorists don’t check ID cards before unleashing mayhem. You or your loved one could be the next victim” he said.
Dr. Ughwanogho’s call came shortly after a coordinated raid by a joint team of the police, hunters, vigilantes, and anti-cult volunteers in Abraka led to the death of four suspected kidnappers, identified as Fulani herdsmen. The operation, which took place in the early hours of June 4, also resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 13 rounds of live ammunition.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the operation in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright. He noted that a recently rescued victim had identified one of the deceased suspects as a leader of the kidnap gang.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the courage of the operatives and vowed that the Command would continue to deepen community engagement and sustain momentum in the fight against violent crime.
Meanwhile, the community is still reeling from the death of Marcus, a local youth and protester who had joined others on June 2 to demand action against insecurity. Marcus was killed two days later, allegedly by the same criminal elements he protested against—suspected Fulani kidnappers.
Civil rights activist Prince Ukuanovwe Godstime Oj, in a viral video, questioned the role of the military, which had earlier been deployed against the peaceful protesters rather than the criminal threats.
“Where was the military when Marcus needed protection? Why was their strength used on peaceful youths and not on the kidnappers?” he asked emotionally.
While many citizens are calling for more decisive security measures, others have risen in defense of the state government.
Some commentators criticized activists like Harrison Gwamnishu for highlighting only the negatives, arguing that the Oborevwori administration has invested heavily in security infrastructure, including police vehicles and equipment.
Ossai Ovie Success, an aide of the governor noted:
“Has the governor been sleeping? No. He has held security meetings and engaged security agencies discreetly. Let’s give credit where it is due.”
Still, the anger over the military’s response to the peaceful protest, including alleged destruction of vehicles, remains raw among residents.
In a parallel development, humanitarian advocate Jehoiakim Oghenethoja Ayomanor added his voice to the lone protester’s plea, demanding:
Increased security presence, Militarization of forests, Thorough combing of streets and bushes, Immediate restoration of peace in Abraka
“We call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to act decisively and urgently to restore normalcy to Abraka,” he said.
In response to the outcry, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is expected to hold an enlarged security meeting with traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders at Government House, Asaba. Observers say the outcome of this meeting may shape the next phase of the state’s security strategy.
“Security is everyone’s business,” a government aide said. “The governor will not relent in protecting the lives and properties of all Deltans.”