Suspected Herdsmen Abduct Six in Delta State Amid Growing Insecurity

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen unleashed a wave of kidnappings across parts of Delta State on Sunday, abducting at least six people in separate attacks in Issele-Azagba, Aniocha South, and Agbor in Ika South Local Government Areas.

According to multiple community sources, the day of terror began early Sunday morning when a woman, Mrs. Juliana Nzei, was abducted near the entrance of DDPA Estate in Agbor while on her way to attend mass at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church.

Later that same day, two residents of Issele-Azagba were kidnapped, followed by another incident later that night, when three more individuals were taken from the same community bringing the total number of victims to six in less than 24 hours.

This latest string of abductions comes just weeks after a farming couple was kidnapped in the area. That case ended only after a ₦6 million ransom was reportedly paid.

A local source expressed concern over the frequency of these attacks. “The kidnappings in Issele-Azagba are getting out of hand,” the resident said. “Three weeks ago, a couple was abducted on their way to the farm. The man was released after a ransom was paid, but they went back and took his wife again. The community is living in fear.”

In a separate account, a vigilante member involved in the search and rescue efforts told newsmen how Sunday’s incidents unfolded. Around 3:30 pm, a couple and some construction workers were attacked while inspecting a building site. The wife, who reportedly understood Hausa, managed to escape and alert the local vigilante unit.

“We mobilised local security teams, including youths and the anti-cult group, and entered the bush,” the vigilante said. “At a point, we saw a large number of cows moving, and we realized the herders were using them to shield themselves and the victims.”

The search team continued to track the kidnappers into the night but was unable to rescue the captives. Just a few hours later, at about 10:30 pm, another group of residents was abducted from the community.

“As I speak with you, we’re still inside the bush tracking them,” the vigilante added. “We’ve not caught them yet, but we’re following their trail.”

Meanwhile, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where Mrs. Nzei worships, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Okeke, has declared Monday a day of prayer and intercession.

In a message to parishioners shared on the church’s WhatsApp platform, Fr. Okeke wrote: “Our sister Mrs. Juliana Nzei was kidnapped in the morning while coming for Sunday Mass. The necessary things have been done while we await further information about her condition. The morning Mass tomorrow will be a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit for divine intervention.”

A fellow parishioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Mrs. Nzei’s bank account had been debited several times since her disappearance, despite her main phone being left at home.

Although the incident has been reported to the police, there has been no official response.