Benedict Etanabene, the lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, raised a red flag over the escalating cases of herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and killings in Delta State.
He expressed concern over the deaths of at least ten people in just two weeks due to killer herdsmen’s attacks in the axis.
Etanabene had sponsored a motion of urgent public importance in the House of Representatives, which was passed and referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence.
The motion highlights the increasing insecurity in Delta State caused by killer herdsmen.
The lawmaker lamented that in the past four months, Delta residents have witnessed an unprecedented surge in herdsmen’s attacks, kidnappings, and killings along major highways.
He specifically mentioned the Sapele-Effurun highway, Agbarho-Ughelli highway, and the Ohoro/Bomadi junction along the East-West Road as areas experiencing severe disruptions.
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Etanabene shared his personal experience of narrowly escaping an attack two weeks ago on the Sapele-Effurun highway, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
“The armed bandits have adopted a perilous approach, opening fire on vehicles travelling along the highways to force them to stop, robbing passengers and kidnapping them for ransom,” he noted.
He urged the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence to mandate the Inspector-General of Police to increase surveillance and patrols in the affected areas and monitor compliance with these directives.
He further explained, “These areas include the Sapele-Effurun highway, where I narrowly escaped becoming a victim about three weeks ago. The stretch between Agbarho and Ughelli is another dead end, and from Uweru to Bomadi junction along the East-West Road is also a death trap. They kill people and kidnap others for ransom. They are everywhere in the bushes.
“These assailants are having a field day, and I’m curious because there are usually police checkpoints in these areas. Yet, nothing is happening.
“I call on the Inspector-General of Police to mandate the Police in Delta State to increase surveillance and patrols in the mentioned areas and mandate the House Committees on Police Affairs and National Security Intelligence to monitor compliance.”
The lawmaker’s call to action comes as residents of Delta State, particularly in the central and north senatorial districts, live in fear of attacks, kidnappings, and killings. The situation has disrupted economic activities, with farmers unable to tend to their fields due to the threat of herdsmen attacks.
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