Delta State, Nigeria — Something very serious and disturbing is happening in Delta State, and it has caught the attention of the entire state. In Agbarho, a peaceful town in Ughelli North Local Government Area, over two dozen children — at least 26 — have disappeared mysteriously over the past eight months. Most of the missing children are between the ages of 3 and 10.
On Friday, June 6, the women of Agbarho took to the streets in black clothing, filled with emotion and fear. They sang sorrowful songs and carried signs that read: “Stop Stealing Our Children,” “Where Are Our Kids?” and “We Want Justice.”
Many of these women are mothers of the missing children. One of them, Mrs. Efe Okoro, told TJ News Nigeria, “Children leave for school and never return. Some vanish while playing outside their homes. We are living in fear every day.”
Another protester, Mrs. Itohan Orugbo, accused the government of doing nothing. “If these were the children of senators, would they still be missing?” she asked angrily.
Traditional Leader Speaks Out
The king of Agbarho, His Royal Majesty Ogurimerime Okorefe I, called the child disappearances “a declaration of war against the people.” He warned that if the security agencies don’t act quickly, it could lead to total chaos. He also encouraged local vigilante groups to be more active and asked parents to always keep a close eye on their children.
Not Just Agbarho: Killings in Abraka Raise More Concerns
This is not the only sad news from Delta State. Just last week in Abraka, a town known for its university, two young men — Okiemute and Oghenekaro Efe, aged 19 and 23 — were shot dead by unknown gunmen. They were reportedly returning from a church event along Ekrejeta Road when they were attacked.
Local sources say the killers didn’t steal anything, which makes people think this was not a robbery, but a planned assassination. A local youth leader, Comrade Success Egbe, said, “We are no longer safe in our homes or on the streets. If this continues, people will start taking the law into their own hands.”
A Pattern of Fear and Silence
Delta State has been seeing a rise in crime, including kidnappings, robberies, and killings. Despite reports from concerned citizens and leaders, many people feel the police are not doing enough.
As of now, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, has not released any official statement about the missing children or the killings in Abraka.
One frustrated father, Mr. James Edibor, whose 5-year-old daughter went missing in March, said, “We believed in Governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda, but it feels like we’ve been abandoned.”
What the People Are Demanding
Here’s what the people want:
- The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, to declare a state of emergency on security.
- Military patrols in danger zones like Agbarho and Abraka.
- A return of neighborhood watch programs.
- Reform in local policing and better protection for children.
A member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Omonade, said he will raise the matter during the next House sitting. “We cannot fold our arms while criminals take over,” he said.
Churches Join the Fight
Churches in both Agbarho and Abraka are now organizing night prayers and vigils to seek divine intervention and support the community.
“This is both a spiritual and a social battle,” said Pastor Aganbi Emeka of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abraka. “We must return to God and also demand accountability from those in authority.”
For every young person reading this: this is not just an adult problem. This affects children like your younger siblings, your friends, and even you. It’s about safety, justice, and responsibility. If voices remain silent, nothing changes. But when people speak up and stand together — like the women of Agbarho did — it sends a clear message: we will not stay quiet while our communities are in danger.
Stay informed. Stay alert. Speak up.
