By Ken Afor
The leader of a vigilante group in Owa community in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State has claimed in a viral video how repeated attacks allegedly by bandits led to the death of 14 of his vigilante members.
Tragically, the vigilante leader further claimed that out of the 15 members allegedly kidnapped by the suspected bandits, only one survived to narrate his experience.
The leader disclosed that the other 14 victims were reportedly murdered after ransom demands went unmet.
According to the leader, the only survivor was released after a ransom of N2 million was paid to the abductors.
Speaking out against the backdrop of violence and abduction, the leader disclosed a series of futile attempts to seek assistance from security operatives in Delta state.
“I am the one who has been reporting the issue. I reported to the Owa otubu Police Station, no response, I reported to the area command, no response, the area command ordered the DCO in Oweibu to call the C .P. in Asaba and up till now, the C .P. and the area command under Oweibu Division, no way,” the vigilante leader lamented, detailing the distressing sequence of events that unfolded following the brutal attack on their community.
Despite alleged repeated appeals to theOwa Iyobu Police Station and the area command, the leader of the vigilante group expressed frustration over what he called lack of meaningful intervention.
Said a member:”In the face of such atrocities, the vigilante leader issued a passionate plea to the Delta State government and leaders in the state, urging them to intervene decisively to stem the tide of violence.
“Expressing grave concern for the safety of residents, he stressed the urgent need for collaborative action to restore peace and security to Ika kingdom.
“Describing the pervasive fear gripping the community, the leader of the vigilante group emphasized that the relentless attacks had shattered the sense of safety and unity among residents. “
He implored the state government authorities to prioritize the protection of innocent lives and called for swift measures to address the escalating crisis.
