A reputed association in Agbor kingdom under the auspices of Agbor Progressive Initiative (API), has called for the urgent intervention of the Delta State Government on the increased rate of kidnapping in the land.
The call was made by the President of the association and a legal luminary, Barr. Ehiedu Ogochukwu, in a communiqué signed on behalf of the group.
According to the President, the call was inevitable following the recent rate of banditry allegedly carried out by some armed Fulani herdsmen living in Agbor and its environs.
He said, kidnapping which is not peculiar to only Agbor kingdom,as it has been the most virulent form of banditry in Nigeria, adding that the kidnappers targeted at collecting ransom from their victims was now on the increase in Agbor.
Barr. Ogochukwu who also condemned the illicit act, frowned at the fact that the menace was prolonged without government force to rid the community out of hoodlums in view. Hence, posing great threat to the people.
“This issue calls for a great concern. In the last two weeks, not more that fifteen residents were kidnapped.
“Some who were able to pay their ransom ranging in high currencies were released while those who cannot pay for their freedom are killed.
“We, the members of API are much worried that, how can we have groups of military men in the land yet, the menace still persist? Our local security outfits are doing their best to tackle the menace but their efforts not yielding the needed result, mainly due to a 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 level particularly, the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led government, to intensify effort in steaming the kidnap menace in order to have our people go about their businesses peacefully,” he said.
