By Ovasa Ogaga
The member of the House of Representatives for Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituency, Honorable Benedict Etanabene, has called for urgent action in response to the worsening cases of herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and killings in Delta State, which have resulted in the deaths of at least ten people in just two weeks.
Advocate.ng reports that, Hon. Etanabene, alarmed by these developments, recently tabled a crucial motion of urgent public importance in the House of Representatives. The motion focused on the increasing insecurity in Delta State caused by herdsmen and was passed and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence.
In the past four months, Delta residents have witnessed an unprecedented surge in herdsmen's incessant attacks, kidnappings, and killings along some of the state's major highways. The Delta Central Senatorial District has been particularly affected, with areas such as the Sapele-Effurun highway, Agbarho-Ughelli highway, and the Ohoro/Bomadi junction along the East-West Road experiencing severe disruptions. Parts of the Delta North Senatorial District, especially the Ika and Ukwani areas, have also been impacted, with residents unable to farm for fear of attacks.
Moving the motion under urgent public importance, Hon. Etanabene, who solely sponsored the motion, highlighted the escalating insecurity in the state. He stressed that the armed bandits have adopted a perilous approach, opening fire on vehicles traveling along the highways to force them to stop, robbing passengers, and kidnapping them for ransom.
During the debate, Hon. Etanabene recalled his own narrow escape from becoming a victim two weeks ago on the Sapele-Effurun highway. He expressed sadness that, despite police security checkpoints along the affected highways, these incidents continue to rise.
In his address, Hon. Etanabene urged the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence to mandate the Inspector-General of Police to increase surveillance and patrols in the mentioned areas. He also called for the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence to monitor compliance with these directives.
"In Delta Central today, we are living under siege. Herdsmen occupy all the bushes and forests. They now jump into the road, open fire on vehicles carrying passengers, force them to stop, kill people, and take all the occupants into the forest," Hon. Etanabene stated.
He continued, "These areas include the Sapele-Effurun highway, where I narrowly escaped becoming a victim about three weeks ago. The stretch between Agbarho and Ughelli is another dead end, and from Uweru to Bomadi junction along the East-West Road is also a death trap. They kill people and kidnap others for ransom. They are everywhere in the bushes."
"These assailants are having a field day, and I'm curious because there are usually police checkpoints in these areas. Yet, nothing is happening."
"I urge this House to observe a minute of silence for those who lost their lives; at least ten people died in the past week."
"I call on the Inspector-General of Police to mandate the Police in Delta State to increase surveillance and patrols in the mentioned areas and mandate the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence to monitor compliance," Hon. Etanabene concluded.
The motion, seconded by two other members, was overwhelmingly supported and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence for further legislative action.
It should also be noted that in some of the satellite villages around Ughelli South Local Government Area, particularly in the Egbo community, kidnappers have become so brazen that they abduct innocent people from their homes in broad daylight for ransom.
The police have been accused of inaction when relatives of victims approach them for assistance.
