By Emem Idio 

An advocacy group known as Oghara Study Group, OSG, has raised the alarm over what it described an escalating wave of banditry, kidnappings, cult- related killings and other violent crimes threatening lives and economic activities in Oghara Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The  group has called on the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene in the worsening security situation in the area, following a surge in kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by Rev David Ugolor and Prof Ogheneruonah,  the civic advocacy group said the latest incident involving the abduction of a husband and wife, the killing of the husband by their captors and the eventual release of the wife after a ransom was paid underscored the growing insecurity confronting the kingdom. 

“This tragedy represents a deeply disturbing deterioration in public safety and has heightened fear across our communities,” the group said.

According to the OSG, Oghara, once regarded as one of Delta State’s most peaceful communities, is increasingly under siege from criminal gangs engaged in kidnapping, cult violence and other forms of organised crime, with residents living in constant fear.

The group noted that the kingdom, which hosts major educational institutions, a state teaching hospital and several oil and gas facilities, occupies a strategic position along the Warri–Sapele corridor, making the rising insecurity a threat not only to residents but also to economic activities and regional development.

They said: ” Available reports and community records point to a pattern of violent crimes, including kidnapping for ransom, cult-related clashes, ritual killings and attacks on travellers along the Warri–Sapele Expressway. It added that some of the incidents had also affected students, visitors and institutions within the community.

“The continued wave of violence has claimed lives, traumatised families, discouraged investment and disrupted farming, education, worship and commercial activities. Many residents now avoid travelling at night because of fears over their safety.”

The group expressed concern over what it described as declining public confidence in the existing security architecture, arguing that repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel have created a perception that communities are increasingly vulnerable.

While condemning the attacks, the OSG maintained that the security challenges should not be blamed on the Oghara community. Instead, it called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, the traditional institution and community-based organisations in tackling criminal activities.

“We urged the Federal Government to deploy additional police personnel and other security assets to secure Oghara and the Warri–Sapele corridor, while also calling for a thorough investigation into recent killings and kidnappings, with the outcome made public.

“We also appealed to the Delta State Government to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies in the area by providing more personnel, patrol vehicles and communication equipment, and we  advocate the formal integration of community vigilante groups into the state’s security framework and the commissioning of a comprehensive security assessment of Ethiope West Local Government Area.

“At the local level, the OSG called on the Ethiope West Local Government Council to convene an emergency security summit involving the traditional institution, security agencies, community leaders, vigilante groups and religious organisations. 

“Additionally we urged the council to improve street lighting, establish rapid emergency response systems and create a community security liaison desk for prompt reporting and follow-up of incidents.

“The Oghara Study Group is not raising this alarm to create panic. Our appeal is driven by the urgent need to protect lives, restore public confidence and preserve the peace and economic future of Oghara Kingdom. We remain committed to working with government, security agencies and other stakeholders to achieve lasting security for our people,” OSG stated.