By Valentine Utulu
A new rave of kidnapping for ransom has enveloped the ancient town of Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South local government area of Delta State.
Community sources revealed that over ten persons have so far been kidnapped in the last two weeks.
Unconfirmed sources say the criminal act is being perpetuated by alleged Fulani herdsmen in conniviance with some mischievous elements in the community.
The attack which began sometime in late October has snowballed into serious issue of community concern, causing fear and tension among the residents.
Sometimes late October 2024, three persons were kidnapped in a space of two days in separate attack along Isah road, just beside the Ogwasi-Uku Stadium.
Early November 2024, six persons were kidnapped at a neighbourhood beside White House, along the Edo-Otulu road, Agidiasei quarters.
During the attack, two of the victims were shot dead, while the armed kidnappers abducted four others into the bush.
The latest attack, occured on 15th of November 2024 when armed kidnappers lay ambush and abducted the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and another officer of the agency long the same Isah road.
It was gathered that the gunmen open fire into the air, before wisking away the NDLEA boss, while the second officer was abducted at a separate location.
The two NDLEA officials later regain their freedom after four days in the kidnappers’ den.
As the tension mounts, concern residents have called for urgent action to check the growing state of insecurity in the community most especially as the yuletide draws nearer.
Many residents expressed fear that the trend may continue most especially with the conniviance of some natives in criminal act.
A resident who gave his name simply as Chukwudi told journalists on Sunday in Ogwashi that the leadership of the community and government must stand up and take action before it is late
“There is no smoke without fire, what we are seeing now in Ogwashi-Uku has the hands of Esau. It is the rat inside that tells the rat out where the fish is kept.
“Some of the victims who came back from the bush after paying huge ransom have confirmed that the kidnappers work in collaboration with elements in the community”, Chukwudi said
According to him, the insiders in the community does the surveillance job, by identifying their target and pointing out the location before the attack.
He alleged that these community insiders provides information to the kidnappers on perceived target who they feel is wealthy enough to cough out good money as ransom.
Our correspondent reports that the present security situation in the community has paralysed businesses and night life as traders and drinking joints vendors now closed shops before 8.pm.
