As the activities of herders holding kidnapped victims for ransom continue unabated, Deltan have called on the state government to rise up to the challenge.
A reputable association in Agbor kingdom, Ika south local government area of Delta State, under the auspices of Agbor Progressive Initiative (API), said the menace needs the state government urgent intervention to reduce the high rate of kidnapping in the land.
The call was made by the president of the association, Barr. Ehiedu Ogochukwu, in a Communique signed on behalf of the group.
According to the President, the call became inevitable following the recent rate of banditry allegedly carried out by some armed herders living in Agbor and its environs.
He said, kidnapping which is not peculiar only to Agbor kingdom, has been the most dangerous form of banditry in Nigeria, adding that the menance targeted at collecting ransom from their victims is now on the increase in Agbor.
Barr. Ogochukwu, who also condemned the illicite act, frowned at the fact that the menance was prolonged without government effort to rid the community of hoodlums, as the dastard act is presently posing great threat to the people.
“This issue calls for a great concern. In the last two weeks, not less that fifteen residents were kidnapped.
“Some who were able to pay their ransom ranging in high currencies were released while those who could not pay for their freedom were killed.
“We the members of API are much worried that how can we have group of military men in the land yet the manance still persist? Our local security outfits are doing their best to tackle the menance but efforts are not yielding the needed result, mainly due to lack of logistics.
“It is imperative to note that if this crime on our people being perpetrated by nomadic herders from the northern Nigeria are not steamed, may become potentially dangerous as our youths may be forced to repeal their actions.
“We the Agbor people are peaceful. Hence, we call on government at the various levels particularly, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led government to intensify effort in steaming the kidnap menance in order to have our people go about their businesses peaceful”, the Communique added.
