Tension has gripped Uduere community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State after suspected kidnappers allegedly murdered a security guard and abducted a 14‑year‑old girl last Saturday.
The slain guard was identified by residents as Umukoro Obukohwo Emmanuel. Sources disclosed that the Late Mr. Emmanuel was allegedly attacked with a machete as he opened the gate to his workplace. His was cut severely with one chopped hand.
According to eyewitnesses, after the assailants killed the guard they forced their way into a nearby apartment. When the teenager came out to see what was happening, the attackers reportedly seized her and fled. Family members have since received a ransom demand of N100 million, community sources reported.
Local residents expressed anger and fear, accusing some community leaders of politicizing security matters. They said an earlier internal security outfit that helped protect Uduere was disbanded after some people objected to it, leaving the community vulnerable.
“The security situation in Uduere is becoming unbearable,” one resident, who do not want his name mentioned, said. “Some leaders are playing politics with our lives. The constitution guarantees the right to life, but people are taking our lives for granted. We call on the Delta State government to prioritize our safety.”
Attempts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright were unsuccessful but a security source within the Delta State Police Command, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident and said police are actively pursuing the suspects.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement with further details or confirmation of the ransom demand.