Delta Community Rain Curses on Kidnappers Amid Rising Insecurity

The people of Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State have turned to traditional rituals to fight back against a growing wave of kidnappings and crime in their community.

In a ceremony known as Ine Ubi, residents from all nine villages gathered at the palace of their king, His Royal Majesty Obi Agbogidi Nduka, on Wednesday, May 21 to place curses on those responsible for kidnapping, stealing, and harming others.

Carrying palm fronds, Bibles, and prayer beads, indigenes from diverse religion including Christians and traditionalists joined together to call on spiritual forces to punish criminals. Chiefs read out the crimes committed, and the crowd responded with loud curses.

The Obi said the ceremony was necessary to protect the land and its people. “Issele-Uku is a peaceful place, but evil has taken root. We must act,” he said. He also urged government and security forces to do more.

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The move comes after several recent kidnappings, including three hotel workers taken last Saturday.

While many community members expressed hope that the ritual would serve as a warning to criminals and restore peace, not everyone agreed with the approach.

Ugaga Yole, a criticised the method, saying, “E nor dey work, they should use community effort to support and empower the local vigilantes, that will be better. Let them launch a community security trust fund.”

Others are urging the government to take stronger action. “Curses alone won’t stop crime. The authorities need to step up now,” one person commented.

Despite differing opinions, the people of Issele-Uku remain united in their desire to end insecurity and protect their community.