Tension, Fear Grips Delta Community as NDLEA Official, Orderly kidnapped
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been thrown into shock and confusion following the abduction of a senior officer and his orderly by unknown gunmen at the agency’s head office, along the Isah-Ogwashi-Uku road in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The incident occurred around 8pm on Friday as the officer was leaving work.
An eyewitness described the ambush at the gate of the premises, where the assailants forced the victims into an unmarked vehicle and fled.
Another source, speaking anonymously, suggested the kidnappers had prior knowledge of the officer’s movements, coordinating their attack.
This incident marks the latest in a string of abductions – over five cases in just 10 days – in Ogwashi-Uku.
Recently, two youths were shot dead and two others kidnapped along the Edo-Otulu Road in Agidiase quarters.
Residents expressed fear and frustration over the escalating insecurity. “We’re no longer safe in our own community,” they said, urging the state government and commissioner of police to address the issue. They warned that failure to stop the development now before it escalates further could lead to widespread insecurity in the region.
A community leader, Mr. Johnson Elue, pleaded for urgent security attention, citing concerns about the safety of Diasporans, particularly the youths, returning for Christmas celebration amidst the daily security threats.
“Before now, our vigilance groups have been securing our community for us, but the situation is getting worse. With this high level of insecurity, how can our children come for Christmas celebration again.
“I want to use this avenue to plead with the authorities to please provide us with urgent security attention in our communities to forestall further breakdown of the peace in our communities,” he stated.