In an alarming incident reported on April 1, 2024, a group of suspected gunmen, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, perpetrated the kidnapping of an unidentified number of students in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The students, whose identities remain undisclosed, were traveling along the East-West route when the harrowing event unfolded.
According to reliable sources, the students were aboard a Sienna vehicle en route from Calabar, Cross River State, when they fell victim to the assailants’ ambush at the Evwreni axis of the East-West Road. The armed kidnappers swiftly seized control of the vehicle, initiating a distressing ordeal for the students.
Reports indicate that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N10 million for the safe release of the captive students. This demand has further escalated concerns about the safety and security of travelers along this route, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and security measures to safeguard against such heinous acts.
This incident is not an isolated one, as the region has witnessed previous instances of abduction and violence. In a similar event on February 24, eight individuals traveling from Benin City, Edo State, to Yenagoa were abducted from a Coaster Bus along the Ughelli-Patani road. While some hostages were later released, the fate of others remains uncertain.
Efforts by law enforcement agencies, including the Ughelli A’ division, have been mobilized to address the situation, yet definitive outcomes remain elusive. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, confirmed that investigations are ongoing but refrained from providing further details at this time.
This latest abduction underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts by authorities to combat the scourge of kidnapping and insecurity in the region. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by residents and travelers alike in Delta State and the imperative of prioritizing safety and security measures to protect innocent lives.
As the investigation continues, communities and stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and the apprehension of those responsible for this reprehensible act. The safety and well-being of all citizens must remain paramount as efforts are intensified to address the root causes of insecurity and restore peace to the region.
