Oasis-NUJ Chapel: Abraka Under Siege, Gov. Oborevwori Must Act Now

By Daniel Dafe

Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oasis Magazine Chapel, have called on the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’ to act swiftly to tame the ugly trend of kidnapping and other related crimes in the Abraka community, saying the area is under siege by criminals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abraka, Chairman of the chapel, Comrade Joy Enamuotor, said the insecurity situation in the university community has lingered for too long and seems to be going out of proportion.

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In her words, “farmers are no more able to go to their farms, as herdsmen have reportedly killed and raped many and residents now avoid night life every way possible,” saying many now live in fear wondering who would be the next kidnap target.

“The latest in Abraka is kidnap operations taking place in certain parts of the community such as Lucas and NUT roads.

“Just recently, suspected herdsmen stormed the residence of a family where they forcefully collected food items from them. The family has since deserted their homes to avoid a repeat of such ugly incidence.”

Recall that on Monday, aggrieved residents took to the streets to protest the situation. The protests turned violent with some claiming that soldiers shot at them directly. Although no life was lost, the situation was very tense yesterday.

Reacting, Enamuotor said that she learnt the soldiers tried to disperse the youths who had blocked the express road around police station Junction, but said it was wrong for protesters to be shot at and condemned the act if it ever happened.

“Our youths must stick to peaceful protests and our security operatives must avoid getting provoked to kill protesters,” she opined.

“The governor must act before it is too late because it is obvious residents are no longer ready to tolerate the security situation in their community. The town is under siege, security personnel in the town must up their game and Oborevwori must act now,” she concluded.