A tragic wave of insecurity has struck Oghara Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, as suspected kidnappers reportedly killed a victim even after receiving ransom payment.
The victim was abducted alongside his wife, who managed to escape from captivity. Despite efforts by the family to secure his release through ransom payment, the abducted man was allegedly murdered by his captors.
This disturbing development was disclosed by a civil advocacy group, the Oghara Study Group (OSG), during a press briefing held in Warri.
Representatives of the group, Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Ogheneruonah Eghweree, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the community.
According to the group, Oghara, once regarded as a peaceful environment, has increasingly become a hotspot for organized crime, including kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks.
They noted that cases of victims being killed even after ransom payments are becoming alarmingly frequent, leaving families devastated both emotionally and financially.
Residents, the group said, now live in constant fear as armed gangs and criminal elements continue to target communities, farmlands, and major roads with little resistance.
The OSG further highlighted several recent incidents, including kidnappings and killings along key routes such as the Otefe-Ovade Link Road and Ologbo-Benin Road. In many of these cases, victims were either killed before rescue efforts or remained in captivity despite ongoing negotiations.
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Beyond the human toll, the group warned that the rising insecurity is severely affecting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and investment within the kingdom. Movement has become restricted, and economic activities are gradually declining due to fear of attacks.
Describing the situation as a failure of coordinated security efforts, the group called for urgent intervention from all levels of government.
They urged the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel, including joint military and police task forces, to secure vulnerable areas.
The Delta State Government was also advised to strengthen local security operations by providing more resources, patrol vehicles, and rapid-response systems, while integrating community vigilante groups into the official security framework.
At the local level, the Ethiope West Local Government Council was encouraged to convene an emergency security summit involving traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders to develop actionable solutions.
The group emphasized the need for improved infrastructure such as street lighting, better communication systems, and the establishment of a functional security reporting mechanism to enhance rapid response to threats.
As insecurity continues to escalate, residents of Oghara are calling for immediate and decisive action to restore peace and protect lives and property.
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