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Tag: Delta community

  • Tension in Delta community over suspected herdsmen attacks

    Tension in Delta community over suspected herdsmen attacks

    Tension is rising in Umeh, a riverine community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, following allegations of attacks by herdsmen on residents and travellers.

    A community leader and lawyer, Akpovienehe Duncan Afahakor, raised the alarm yesterday in a post on the Facebook platform, Umeh Need Road, warning that the situation was fast deteriorating.

    In the post titled, “Umeh under attack,” Afahakor alleged that herdsmen had taken over farmlands and were attacking road users.

    “No one truly understands the intentions of the group. They have occupied the Umeh bushes, preventing our people from accessing their farms. Beyond this, they emerge from the bush to attack motorcycle riders along the Umeh bridge. Just two days ago, without any provocation, one of our youths was shot in the leg multiple times,” he wrote.

    According to him, the development has crippled farming in the agrarian community.

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    “As a result, we can no longer go to our farms to tend to our pepper, cassava, and plantain crops. The attacks have now extended to the road, and if urgent help does not arrive, there is real fear that the violence could spread into the community itself,” the post added.

    Umeh, which gained access by road during the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan following sustained advocacy on the platform, is mostly dependent on farming and riverine trade.

    The Isoko South Local Government Chairman ‘s Chief Press Secretary, Michael Akpodhoma said he would communicate its action on the matter by today.

    However, the state Police Command said it had not received any report of the alleged attack.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, told The Nation: “We don’t have that report.”

    Residents are calling for urgent intervention by the state government and security agencies to prevent further escalation.

  • Dafinone raises the alarm over child abductions in Delta community

    Dafinone raises the alarm over child abductions in Delta community

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has raised alarm over what he described as the “disturbing wave of child abductions” in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, calling on security agencies to redouble efforts to curb the menace while urging residents to resist jungle justice.

    In a statement on Thursday, the lawmaker said over six children aged between three and ten have gone missing in the community in recent months, sparking fear, protests, and violent reprisals. 

    “Reports show that in recent months, more than six children—many between the ages of three and ten—have gone missing, leaving families devastated and the community in fear,” he said.

    He linked the crisis to a surge in incidents earlier in June when four disappearances were recorded, which later prompted women’s protests on September 16. 

    The tension boiled over on September 24 when an angry mob lynched a woman accused of attempted child abduction.

     “While the community’s frustration is understandable, such acts of jungle justice only deepen the crisis and risk innocent lives,” Dafinone warned.

    To the bereaved families, the Senator extended solidarity and empathy. “Your pain is our collective burden, and I pledge to continue pressing for answers and justice at the highest levels of government. Every missing child is a future we cannot afford to lose, and I will not relent until they are found and safety is restored,” he assured.

    Dafinone specifically tasked the Delta Police Command, Ughelli Area Command, and federal agencies to “intensify investigations, strengthen patrols, and work closely with NAPTIP to dismantle any networks behind these abductions—whether ritual or trafficking-related.” He also urged Agbarho’s traditional leadership, led by the Ovie, to reinforce vigilance through neighbourhood watches, school partnerships, and parental awareness.

    Calling for calm, the Senator concluded: “Let us resist jungle justice and instead channel our anger into unity, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement. Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and our beloved Delta State.”

  • Public hearing for Delta community policing bill holds May 9th

    Public hearing for Delta community policing bill holds May 9th

    A public hearing on a bill for a Law to amend the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency law has been scheduled for Friday 9 May 2025, The Nation has learnt.

    The public hearing, being organized by the Joint Committees on Special Committee on Bills, and House Committee on Peace and Security, will be held at the Press Centre, Delta State House of Assembly Complex, Okpanam Road, Asaba at 10.00a.m.

    A statement by the Chairman of the Joint Committee and Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Emeka Nwaobi, called for inputs from stakeholders, either written or oral in the making of the new law.

    The statement particularly seeks memoranda from the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Ministry of Justice, and the state chapter of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON.

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    The joint committee also expects inputs from the Delta State Security Trust Fund, the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Directorate of Political and Security Matters, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ and other stakeholders from public and private sectors.

    The statement added that all memoranda on the proposed law should be in 30 copies, enclosed in a sealed envelope, and addressed to the Chairman, Joint Committee on Special Committee on Bills and Committee on Peace and Security.

    It said all memoranda should be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee on or before Thursday 8 May 2025.

    The statement appealed to relevant stakeholders to endeavour to participate in the public hearing as their presentation is key to the success of the exercise.

    It will be recalled that the State House of Assembly at its sitting on Tuesday 8 April 2025, referred the bill to a joint committee for further legislative scrutiny.

  • Succour for Delta community as NGO delivers water projects

    Succour for Delta community as NGO delivers water projects

    Succour in the form of portable water has come for hundreds of residents of Koko in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta state, as a non-governmental organisation, the Oritsegbegbemi Maurice Ojo-Ede (OMO) Foundation, Friday unveiled three borehole projects across the community.

    The projects were commissioned by the State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; Chairman of Warri North, Hon. Festus Ashima and the Delta Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei, was to mark the foundation’s fifth anniversary.

    It had several dignitaries, including the leader of Warri North Legislative Arm, Gift Duakpemi, as well as other community leaders in attendance.

    Commissioning one of the boreholes, the PDP Chairman emphasized the need for partnerships with organisations that take interest in such humane projects that directly impact the masses.

    “Realising the fact that the government cannot do all this alone, if we see any foundation that chooses to play some supportive roles, we always try as much as possible to encourage them.

    “We want to advise the beneficiaries to carry out a maintenance culture because the more you maintain them, the more organisations are encouraged to come and do more,” Arenyaka said.

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    He further called on the leadership and members of the community to protect the project from vandals.

    On his part, the Warri North council boss, described the projects as “life-changing,” commending the foundation for improving the lives of Koko people by “providing access to clean water and sanitation”.

    According to him, “access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every citizen has access to this basic necessity. I am proud to say that our local government has been working tirelessly to address the water crisis in our area, and the completion of these projects marks a significant milestone in our journey,” he stated.

    He assured that the council would work closely with the benefitting communities to ensure sustainability and maintenance of the water facilities.

    Earlier in his address, founder of the NGO, Dr. Oritsegbegbemi Ojo-Ede, accompanied by his wife, Faith, explained that the projects were borne out of the need to ensure people of the community get access to potable water, a major challenge discovered in the area.

    He pointed out that in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) eight and 11, the water facilities will not only improve the people’s hygiene, but their overall well-being.

  • Delta community issues ultimatum to NEPL for construction of Abura flow station

    Delta community issues ultimatum to NEPL for construction of Abura flow station

    Emadadja community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a 21-day ultimatum to NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) to commence construction of the flow station at Abura or prepare to vacate the area.

    The decision was communicated in a letter to the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by Ambassador Festus Oshemughen and Comrade Christopher Origbo, the President General and Secretary General of Emadadja community, respectively.

    It reads: “It has been a long time since oil operations began in Emadadja Community. 

    “Throughout this period, the oil extracted here has been routed to Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South LGA. 

    “Despite numerous efforts to establish a proposed flow station to assess production capacity over the years, these attempts have proven unsuccessful, leading to concerns that our benefits are being undermined. 

    “After much discussion, it was agreed that the flow station should be built as soon as possible; however, we have seen no progress to date.”

    The letter added:  “In light of these concerns, a community assembly meeting was convened, attended by all Executive Committee members, youth, women, and elders. 

    “Key issues contributing to the delay in constructing the flow station were discussed, and we found them deeply troubling.”

    The community expressed frustration on “the hardship and underdevelopment faced by our residents amidst abundant resources. 

    “We have concluded that former NPDC, now NEPL, and their partners show little interest in the community’s development and the welfare of its people. 

    “Thus, we have resolved to give a 21-day ultimatum for immediate mobilization to the site for the construction of the flow station. 

    “We also demand the completion of all MoU projects that were agreed upon before the implementation of the PIA, as well as completion of the drilling processes for Wells 13 and 14, which have been abandoned.”

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    It also called on NNPC to urgently direct NEPL to revoke any contracts with the company currently engaged for the construction of the OML 65 flow station and ensure the proper management of the field.

    The community representatives voiced their concerns regarding a joint venture partnership in London on August 3, 2022, stating that it holds no interest in developing phase 1 of the approved OML 65 project. 

    It rejected any further operations from these companies in their community.

    “This position must be taken seriously, or we cannot guarantee the security and safety of OML 65 oil exploration on our land,” they warned.

    Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to Delta Governor; the Commanding Officer of 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta Commissioner of Police; the Managing Director of NEPL; Chairman of Udu LGA, and other relevant authorities.

  • Delta community raises the alarm over water pollution

    Delta community raises the alarm over water pollution

    There is apprehension of an outbreak of waterborne disease in the Ukwu-Nzu community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State following pollution of its two major rivers by the alleged activities of coal miners.

    The Nation gathered that its two major sources of water for domestic use (Odo and Ojokpa rivers) have turned muddy and brownish following the alleged discharge of effluents from a mining company in the Ugboba community, a neighbouring community.

    Both rivers have turned muddy and brownish while the once lush vegetation has turned brownish.

    A community leader, Mr. Kaikenechukwu Okolie blamed the pollution of its rivers on the activities of coal mining

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    His words: “We have been facing this challenge for over two months, nothing was done about it. We have been making frantic efforts to reach out to the government to help us.

    “We reached out to the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

    “We also reached out to the coal mining company, Mosra Energy and they visited the rivers but till now, we have not heard from them over two months.

    “Nobody is against the coal mining in our neighboring community, we are only concerned about pollution in our rivers. As I speak to you now, our people cannot use the water to process cassava because of the pollution.

    “Our people are afraid of using the water because there may be an outbreak of epidemics. So, we are begging the government to come to our aid before people die”.

  • Delta community condemns pipeline attack

    The leadership of Batan in Warri South-West council of Delta State has condemned the attack on the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) gas line in the community.

    In a statement signed by the councillor representing Batan in the council legislature, Mr Frank Pukon, the community appealed to security agencies for restraint, promising that the community would assist in arresting perpetrators.

    The statement said the  community was afraid innocent community members might become victims of punitive action by security agencies.

    It called for an interface with community leaders to help in intelligence gathering to nab the culprits.

    The statement noted that the community would work with security to preserve the fragile peace process in the area.

    “My attention has been drawn to the destruction of NGPTCL gas line at Batan community, Diebiri clan, by suspected oil thieves. This is sad and regrettable. I condemn this act, and urge security officials to interface with stakeholders to gather intelligence, for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

    “As a leader, I cannot allow miscreants to blight the peace building capacity that is in progress. Perhaps, even more worrisome is the fact that it is a disservice for people to take laws into their hands by destroying national assets. One of the predominant factors that led to the unavoidable recession in our country was because of the destruction of national assets leading to cost inefficiency and insecurity.

    “It is a sad day for Batan and Diebiri clan because we are peace lovers…we have protected national assets to the detriment of our lives, these are just the handiwork of mischief makers for the military to militarise our area.

    ‘’The military, however, should adhere to professionalism and synergise with stakeholders for the people not to be intimidated, in this electioneering period”, the statement said.

    The critical gas asset was reportedly sabotaged by suspected oil thieves on Monday.

    NGC’s spokesman  in Warri, Mr Darlington Samuel, said only the corporation’s group general manager in charge of publicity in Abuja could speak on the development.

  • Houses, cars razed in Delta community cult clash

    Houses and vehicles belonging to the Orhuwhorhun Community vigilance group in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State were razed following Monday’s cult clash.

    The Nation learnt that the vigilance group was on routine patrol when the suspected cultists struck.

    According to reports, residents were injured and robbed off their possessions, while some others fled.

    Commissioner of Police Adeyinka Adeleke said the clash resulted from the vigilantes’ involvement in politics. He said nobody died.

    Police spokesman Orisewejie Chuks, who also confirmed the report, said the suspected cultists burnt the vigilance group’s vehicle.

    He said: “The situation has been brought under control. Houses were burnt in the rival cult clash. The police are working to nip the situation in the bud.”

  • Political/cult war claims five in Delta community

    The political/inter-cult violence ravaging Effurun in Uvwie council area of Delta state took more tolls in the early hours of Monday, leaving five persons dead.

    Although the circumstances that led to the early Monday killing were still sketchy as at the time of filing this report, people living in the area have linked it to rival political/cult clashes.

    The Nation gathered victims of Monday’s violence were killed around the Jakpa Road/Effurun-Sapele Road axis with four killed along Jakpa Road and one killed around the Effurun MTN office, after Jakpa Junction.

    Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Delta state police command, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka (DSP), said the police had already started investigating the development.

    “We have a case of murder here. At about 7am, one Friday Emajeke reported at the Ekpan police station that at about 1:30am he heard four gunshots, but he could not go out to confirm what was happening because of the security situation of the area.

    ‘’At about 6am, he went out and found one of his tenants identified as Emmanuel dead on the floor.

    “After the report, police went to the place and discovered three more corpses in Emmanuel’s room; two females and one male. After evacuating the bodies, another corpse was discovered not too far from where the murders were recorded. In all, we have five corpses; three males and two females, ”Aniamaka said.

  • Two feared killed as suspected herdsmen attack Delta community

    Two persons were yesterday feared killed and houses torched at Effurun-Otor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following an attack by suspected herdsmen.

    But the police in a phone chat last night debunked the report of casualties.

    They said the situation had been brought under control, adding that investigations were on.

    Community sources told The Nation that two people were confirmed dead. They said many houses were burnt down.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Orovworere of Effurun-Otor Kingdom, King Duku II, reportedly escaped death by a whisker when the suspected herdsmen stormed his palace.

    Although the cause of the attack could not be ascertained last night, it was learnt that the invaders stormed the community with weapons, shooting into the air sporadically.

    Contacted for comments, command spokesman Andrew Aniamaka said there was an incident in the community, but he could not confirm any death or the identity of the attackers.

    He, however, said the situation had been brought under control, adding that stakeholders had moved to prevent reprisal.

    “I’m not aware of any death. I know it’s a crisis having to do with vigilance group, not herders and farmers clash. The matter has been brought under control by the police.

    “The Ughelli Area Commander, DPO Otu-Jeremi and the king of the community have sat down on the matter. They have ensured that things are now under control,” Aniamaka said.