There are growing concerns over the rising wave of kidnappings across Delta State, particularly in Abraka, home to Delta State University. Activist and former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Harrison Gwamnishu, staged a solo protest at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday to decry the worsening security situation.
Speaking during a live broadcast from the protest, Gwamnishu criticized the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for allegedly neglecting to fund local security outfits tasked with combating crime. “Our communities are under siege, yet our local security structures are being starved of the resources they need. This is why I resigned my appointment—because I can’t remain silent while lives are being lost,” he said.
He also revealed that Marcus Samuel Dafe, a resident of Abraka, was recently killed by suspected kidnappers. “Just six hours ago, Marcus was alive. Today, he’s dead because of the insecurity here. When we speak out, we’re accused of spreading falsehoods, but this is our reality,” he lamented.
Gwamnishu accused some political appointees of misinforming the governor, preventing him from taking decisive action. He urged citizens to hold state officials accountable via their social media platforms, stressing, “It could be any of us next.”
In a related development, Vanguard learned that a violent clash broke out in Abraka earlier today, resulting in the deaths of four herders and two unidentified locals. The incident reportedly followed a kidnapping in the area.
A local witness, identified simply as Joachim, told Vanguard, “Since the last protest, things have deteriorated. These criminals now strike in broad daylight. The killing of four Fulani individuals this morning led to a deadly clash that also claimed the lives of two Abraka residents.”
In response to the growing unrest, the Delta State Government announced that Governor Oborevwori has called for an emergency security meeting. According to a statement by Ovie Ossai, Special Assistant on Special Duties, the meeting is scheduled to hold tomorrow at the Government House in Asaba.
The statement reads: “In a swift response to public outcry over recent security breaches, Governor Oborevwori has convened an emergency meeting with all key security stakeholders and experts to find lasting solutions to the rising cases of kidnapping and violence across the state.”
