Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have reportedly launched a wave of kidnappings in Delta State, targeting communities in Issele-Azagba (Aniocha South) and Agbor (Ika South). At least six individuals were abducted on Sunday alone, according to local sources.
SaharaReporters learned that the first victim, Mrs. Juliana Nzei, was kidnapped early Sunday morning near the DDPA Estate in Agbor while heading to mass at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Later that day, two people were abducted in Issele-Azagba, and by nightfall, three more were taken, bringing the total number of victims to six.
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This marks the second major incident in under a month—just weeks earlier, a farming couple was kidnapped, and a ransom of ₦6 million was paid. Disturbingly, one of the victims was reportedly taken again after being initially released.
A community vigilante member, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that the abductions are becoming increasingly frequent. He described how a couple and their workers were taken near their construction site, though the wife managed to escape by pretending to understand Hausa. The vigilantes, supported by local security groups, tracked the kidnappers into the forest and discovered they were using a herd of cows as cover while moving the captives.
Despite their efforts, the gunmen eluded capture and struck again at night. Tracking operations are still ongoing, the vigilante said.
In response to Mrs. Nzei’s abduction, Rev. Fr. Okeke of St. Michael the Archangel Church has called for a day of prayer. He encouraged the congregation to seek divine intervention for her safe return, noting that authorities had already been alerted.
A parishioner revealed that suspicious withdrawals have been made from Mrs. Nzei’s bank account since her disappearance. According to the source, her children found her footwear at the estate’s entrance, and a witness claimed she may have been forced into a car waiting nearby. Her phone, which was left at home, began receiving debit alerts shortly after her disappearance, heightening fears that she was kidnapped.
The incident has been reported to the police, but as of now, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Police Command, despite attempts to reach their spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe.
Tensions remain high in the affected communities, with calls growing louder for local youth to step in where authorities have seemingly failed.
