Kidnappers kill man after ransom payment in Delta

The once peaceful Oghara Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State is now facing serious issues with kidnapping and violence. This has come to light following the killing of a man after his family paid a ransom for his release.

Reports say the man was kidnapped together with his wife, who managed to escape. Sadly, he was killed even after the ransom was paid.

The Oghara Study Group, a civil advocacy group in the area, shared this information at a press conference in Warri on Thursday.

Rev. David Ugolor and Prof. Ogheneruonah Eghweree spoke on behalf of the group. They expressed their concerns, stating, "The security situation in Oghara and its surroundings has worsened lately, with more banditry, kidnappings and killings happening in the area."

They added, "Victims are increasingly being murdered even after ransom payments while poor families are left helpless and devastated."

The group reported that residents now live in fear as kidnappers, armed groups and cult members continue to attack communities, farms and major roads without enough response from security agencies.

They said, "The latest abduction of a husband and wife has heightened fear among residents and strengthened calls for urgent intervention by the Federal Government, Delta State Government and Ethiope West Local Government Council."

The OSG mentioned that the rising insecurity has made life difficult for many families, especially the poor who cannot pay the high ransom demands from kidnappers.

They highlighted that in many cases, victims are killed before any rescue attempt can be made, while others are murdered even after ransom payments, leaving families in mourning and financial distress.

In their findings, the OSG described Oghara Kingdom as the historic "Gateway to Urhoboland". It is home to important institutions like the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Western Delta University and several oil companies.

The group warned that ongoing insecurity now threatens education, healthcare, farming, investment and economic activities in the kingdom.

According to the OSG, there is a worrying trend of armed banditry, kidnapping for ransom, cult violence and ritual killings in Oghara and nearby areas, especially along the Oghara-Sapele and Warri-Sapele routes.

They listed several incidents, including the June 25, 2026, kidnapping and murder along the Otefe-Ovade Link Road, where one victim was killed while ransom was paid for another. They also mentioned the June 23 kidnapping on the Ologbo-Benin Road, where the victim remained in captivity as negotiations continued.

Other cases included the killing of a farmer during a kidnapping in Ogharefe in May 2026, despite ransom payment, and another farmer who was abducted, raped and killed in Otefe Village in April 2026 before any rescue could be made.

The OSG recalled other kidnappings in Ogharefe in March 2026, Ijomi Village in February 2026 and Ovade Junction in January 2026. They noted that while some victims regained their freedom after ransom payments, others died before help could arrive. Similar incidents were reported from July to December 2025 across Oghareki, Ogharefe, Ovade Village and the Otefe-Ovade Link Road.

The group said these attacks have traumatized many families, with survivors receiving little or no support. They added that fear of attacks has restricted movement and disrupted farming, business, education and worship, while also shaking confidence in the current security system.

The OSG pointed out that the ongoing violence in Oghara Kingdom shows a failure in coordinated security efforts rather than the fault of any single agency. They believe traditional institutions and community groups should be involved in tackling insecurity.

The group urged the Federal Government to send more police officers and, if needed, joint military and police teams to secure the Warri-Sapele road and important areas in Oghara. They also called for a clear investigation into recent killings and kidnappings and for the Federal Government’s Safe Schools and Safe Campus programs to be extended to schools in the kingdom.

They asked the Delta State Government to boost police operations in Oghara and Sapele by providing more officers, patrol vehicles and quick-response tools. They suggested including community vigilante groups in the state’s security plans with proper support and clear rules.

Finally, the group urged the Ethiope West Local Government Council to hold an emergency security meeting with traditional leaders, security agencies, vigilante groups and religious organizations. They also called for better street lighting and communication systems in vulnerable communities and for a security desk to be set up for quick reporting and follow-up on incidents.