Residents of Oghara in Delta State are calling for urgent government intervention following a wave of violent crimes that culminated in the abduction of a married couple and the killing of the husband by his captors.
The latest incident has heightened anxiety across the community, with residents expressing fears that kidnappings and other violent attacks are becoming increasingly frequent in an area once regarded as relatively peaceful.
The Oghara Study Group (OSG), a community-based advocacy organisation, condemned the attack and described it as a tragic reminder of the deteriorating security situation in the kingdom. According to the group, the wife was eventually released after a ransom was reportedly paid, but her husband was killed while in captivity.
In a statement issued by the group’s conveners, Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Ogheneruonah Eghweree, the organisation said the incident had left families devastated and deepened concerns about the safety of residents across Oghara.
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The group noted that criminal activities, including kidnappings, armed robbery and violent attacks, have continued to disrupt daily life, forcing many residents to alter their routines out of fear.
According to the OSG, farmers have become reluctant to visit their farmlands because of persistent security threats, while businesses are operating under increasing pressure as residents limit their movements, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed sympathy for the surviving wife, who endured the trauma of abduction and the loss of her husband.
While condemning the actions of criminal gangs operating within the area, the group stressed that crime should not be linked to ethnicity, religion or political affiliation. It maintained that those responsible for violent offences must be identified, arrested and prosecuted through lawful means.
The OSG called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security operations across Oghara and surrounding communities. It urged authorities to deploy additional personnel, improve intelligence gathering and enhance surveillance to dismantle criminal hideouts and prevent further attacks.
The group also recommended increased security patrols along major roads, rural communities and farmlands, alongside the establishment of rapid-response mechanisms to improve emergency interventions.
In addition, the organisation appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, religious institutions and civil society organisations to work closely with security agencies by sharing credible information that could aid efforts to combat criminal activities.
Despite growing frustration among residents, the OSG cautioned against mob justice, ethnic profiling and retaliatory attacks, insisting that suspects should only be prosecuted based on credible evidence and in accordance with the rule of law.
Describing the current situation as a critical moment for Oghara, the group urged authorities at all levels to make the protection of lives and property an immediate priority, warning that residents deserve to live, work and travel without fear.
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