Delta Online Newspaper Publishers Forum (DOPF) has expressed grave concern over the increase in kidnapping incidents and herder attacks in Delta State,
In a statement on Sunday July 28, 2024 by the Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli and the Secretary, Mr Shedrack Onitsha, the Publishers described the situation as alarming, particularly in Delta Central and Delta North and call on the Nigerian Police Force as well as other relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts in curbing the menace which they noted threaten the peace and security of communities in the State.
“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 Forum said.
The DOPF therefore, urged 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 to 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 defense against these threats.”
The Online Newspaper Publishers, further called on the state government to engage in meaningful dialogue with herder communities to address the underlying issues contributing to these attacks and said that sustainable solutions must be found to foster peaceful coexistence with a view to preventing 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,” the statement concluded.
