In late January, a distress call in Delta State led to a tragic chain of events as suspected Fulani herders kidnapped three police officers who were dispatched to assist. The incident occurred in the Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, where the officers were deployed to aid Moses Progress, who had been robbed while performing a ritual by the river.
Initially downplayed by authorities, the abduction sparked further action weeks later when additional officers were deployed from the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Delta State Police Command. Tragically, these officers were ambushed, and nine of them lost their lives in the rescue attempt at the Agadama community, with over 15 others abducted. Only one officer managed to escape the attackers.
This event heightened tensions in several affected communities, including Port-Avwon, Ohoror, Agadama, Ekiugbo, and others within Ughelli North. The discovery of the decomposing bodies of police officers further exacerbated the situation.
Investigations revealed that the wave of kidnappings attributed to suspected Fulani herders was not confined to the Uwherun Kingdom but had spread across various local government areas in Delta State. Instances were reported in Abraka, Ethiope-East, Ukwuani, Ndokwa West, Abavo clan, and other areas, indicating a widespread security challenge.
These kidnappings were not isolated incidents but seemed to be orchestrated by well-organized syndicates with strong footholds in the region. The syndicates, backed by financiers outside the state, operated through intricate networks, exploiting the terrain and forests to evade authorities.
Moreover, there were disturbing allegations of collusion between security personnel and the perpetrators, with instances of leaked information and even collusion in releasing high-profile kidnappers from police custody. Such revelations cast doubt on the region’s effectiveness and integrity of security operations.
Citizen unrest, such as the protest in Ekiugbo Community, highlighted the growing frustration with both the activities of kidnappers and the alleged connivance of certain individuals within the security apparatus. Despite police assurances, the situation remained dire, with recurrent attacks dating back to 2013.
Incidents of violence perpetrated by suspected Fulani herders resulted in loss of lives and displacement of communities, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. The recent killing of Mr Ofe Ekevwerho and the abduction of police officers underscored the ongoing threat faced by residents.
The lack of transparency from authorities regarding the identities of the deceased officers and the exact number of casualties further fueled speculation and mistrust. While efforts were reportedly underway to address the security challenges, the effectiveness of these measures remained to be seen.
The situation in Uwherun and other affected areas highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and community engagement initiatives to address the root causes of the crisis. Only through concerted efforts and collaboration between stakeholders can lasting solutions be found to stem the tide of violence and restore peace to the region.
