By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
Villages in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas of Delta State, have bemoaned the rise in cases of kidnappings within their territories, saying they could no longer visit their farms owing to fear.
The communities, in a statement that was signed on their behalf by the Secretary General of the International Law Association, Nigeria Branch, Mr. Clement Osuya, lamented that “those living in Boji Boji Owa and Agbor in Ika South local government area of Delta State, along with the neighbouring villages are facing a dire humanitarian crisis.”
While urging the Delta state government and security agencies to come to their rescue, the communities said the situation has become highly dire, as kidnappers are not only abducting individuals, but also murdering families that were unable to pay the ransom.
“These areas have been overrun by a wave of kidnappers who are causing terror among the citizens by breaking into their homes, carrying out abductions, and committing violent crimes.
“The situation has become highly dire, as the kidnappers are not only abducting individuals but also murdering families who are unable to pay the ransom.
“This has caused the local residents a deep sense of fear and insecurity, compelling them to abandon their farms and restrict their movements.
“Consequently, agricultural productivity and economic activities in the region have drastically decreased, resulting in a severe food shortage and a possible humanitarian crisis.
“The Delta State government must urgently fulfil its legal obligation and take immediate action to protect the citizens of the Ika North East and Ika South local government areas.
“This critical situation demands immediate attention, and the government must take decisive steps to ensure the safety and security of the people.
“We firmly call upon the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters to deploy a tactical squad to the affected areas without delay to put a decisive end to this crisis.
“The deployment of the Special Intervention Squad, which comprises highly skilled and trained officers, is essential to combat the threat of violent crime and swiftly restore peace in the region.
“We are confident that the Nigerian Police Force has the resources and expertise to handle this situation effectively and anticipate a prompt and effective response.
“The authorities must take immediate action to deploy the Special Intervention Squad to the affected areas to prevent further escalation of the situation.
“We demand that the Nigerian Army Headquarters take immediate action to stop the kidnapping and harm being inflicted on the people of Ika North East and Ika South local government areas.
“The Nigerian Army must be deployed without delay to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people. The inability to farm is worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis, and we expect the authorities to take decisive steps to restore normalcy.
“The people of Ika land are essential to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria, and it is unacceptable that they are continuously subjected to kidnapping.
“The government and security agencies must take immediate and comprehensive actions to address this critical situation and restore peace, security, and normalcy in the affected regions.
“Failure to do so would result in a complete collapse of agricultural produce and livelihoods, which would be catastrophic.
“The Delta State government, the headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, and the headquarters of the Nigerian Army must hear the people of Ika land’s cries for help and respond with urgency and efficiency.
“The safety and well-being of the citizens must be the top priority,” the statement further read.
Source: Vanguard
