Land Agent’s Killing: Gwamnishu Laments Rise In Kidnapping

The Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, Harrison Gwamnishu, has decried the rise in kidnapping in some parts of the state allegedly perpetrated by some Fulani herders.

Gwamnishu disclosed this in multiple Facebook posts on Thursday while referencing the death of a female land agent, Esther Osaze, whose dead body was found on Wednesday.

PUNCH Metro reports that Esther was abducted on Monday on her way returning from the estate site alongside other colleagues.

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It was learnt that she, with three other people, went to inspect a piece of land close to the Nigerian Admiralty University, Ibasa, when they were attacked by the gunmen.

However, her body was found dead on Wednesday in the Ibusa community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.

While expressing sadness over Esther’s death, the SSA noted that some of the victims were still in the kidnappers’ den because their families could not pay the requested ransom.

He wrote, “Esther was tragically killed by kidnappers who had been operating in Ibusa, Ogwashi, Azagba, Issele-Azagba, and Ubulu-Uku for months.

“As a realtor, she was abducted while in the bush behind the Admiralty University, and her lifeless body was discovered yesterday. It is important to note that there are still other kidnapped victims in the bush whose families can’t pay the huge ransoms demanded.

“Thanks to the Aniocha South and Oshimili North LGA chairmen for mobilising our local vigilantes.”

“We must begin to use our platforms to tell the world the war we are currently fighting. Because it’s not getting to them is the reason they are quiet.

“The world should know that some Fulani kidnappers have surrounded Aniocha/Oshimili and other parts of Delta State.”

He, however, warned intending land buyers to be wary of some areas in the state, stressing that they had become hotspots of kidnapping.

“The below towns are where the kidnappings are happening daily and not Asaba. These areas are where some of these real estate companies are selling to you, telling you it is three minutes away from Asaba airport.

“Otilu, Okiti, Issele, Ibusa, Azagba, Ubulu Uku, Akwukwu Igbo, and Ugbolu are not in Asaba. Always ask them to give you the name of where the supposed land is located.

“Before you join them in the bush, make sure security is guaranteed. Without security, don’t go. Don’t go, don’t go,” Gwamnishu said.

PUNCH