Community leaders, Residents flee Egbo-Uhurhie over unabated kidnapping

By Akpokona Omafuaire

Community leaders and resident of Egbo-Uhurhie Community of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have fled the community over unabating activities of kidnappers.

This followed the abduction of 11 persons and a Chief Priestess who were on mission to the under the bridge between Egbo and Ekrokpe Communities to carry out sacrifices to the river goddess on Saturday at about 4pm.

It was learnt that, prior to the abduction of the Priestess and her followers, five other persons had earlier also been  kidnapped by gunmen who came in through the bush path.

Incidents of kidnapping have become renowned in the once peaceful agrarian community.

But the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe in a telephone chat dismissed the kidnapping claims that no incident of such or any kidnapped victim has come out to affirm the claims.

According to him, "There is nothing like that. The fact that nobody has reported issue of kidnapping to us, we cannot confirm it. But if  we have further information I will reach out to you. The PG does not stay in the community, everything he is saying is hearsay."

On his part, Mr. Andrew Kujere, President General, Egbo-Uhurhie Community in his lamentation said that the community is currently on fire as people including his executive members have fled to safety.

According to him, "I can tell you that over a year now since my inauguration there has been rampant killings, people terrorise the community and there is constant kidnapping. 

"It got to a point and we protested for the government to come to our aid. It was televised, we said we need constant security to forestall the occurrence. 

"There is tension in the community and we don't have anywhere to turn to as I speak. All the occupants in the new layout have packed out. Only in the centre of the community will you find few people and as we speak people are running. 

"People pack out everyday and all shops in the town are locked now. People who went to make sacrifices at the convert along Ekrokpe road were all kidnapped since Saturday. The 12 people were taken away by gunmen." He said.

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