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Fear heightens in Delta over kidnap of royal fathers

– We’re consulting deities to fish out the abductors – Natives vow

– Police are on top of the matter – Force PRO

The palpable fear that has enveloped Delta state, especially in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state over the recent kidnap and killing of a monarch, HRM Obi Akaeze, Ofulue III of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom is yet to douse and is giving the indigenes of the state as well as Traditional Rulers Council sleepless nights.

A native of Ubulu-Uku who spoke to ENCOMIUM Weekly under the condition of anonymity on Monday, February 1, 2016, revealed that all the traditional rulers in Delta state, especially of Aniocha extractions are not handling the matter with kid gloves.

Okowa
Okowa

The source disclosed that all the deities in the land are being consulted to fish out the killers of the king. And all the surrounding villages, including Issele-Uku, Idumuje Uno and others have been directed by their various monarchs to beef up security in the area with their local vigilante groups.

Not only that, a lot of sacrifices would also be performed to ensure the misery behind the abduction and killing of the monarch is unraveled.

“I can tell you authoritatively that efforts are in progress to fish out the killers and most of the deities are being consulted. We believe in that in our area. And I tell you, very soon, the killers of Obi Akaeze will be fished out.

“One thing I know is that the kidnap wouldn’t have succeeded without at least an insider among the kidnappers. But very soon, the truth shall prevail. Fear is still in the land. People around are now afraid of going out in their flashy cars, especially the traditional rulers. I think it’s high time the state government attached security operatives to all the monarchs so that they can feel free to move around without the fear of being kidnapped. What has happened is an abomination.”

Another native of the area, precisely Issele-Uku, Princess Amaka Precious also confirmed the situation of things in the area. She, however, was also optimistic that the perpetrators of the evil will be caught by the long arm of the law very soon as all traditional arrangements are now in top gear in respect of that.

“The incident has created panic in all of us in Aniocha North Local Government Area and other areas in the state. And that has called for everyday vigilance in all the communities in the area. I learnt all the traditional rulers in the state met on the issue. And they have been directed by the chair, Traditional Council of Delta State, Obi of Owa Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Efeizemor to consult the deities in their respective domains. We believe in that tradition in our area and I am sure it will work. Very soon, those involved will be arrested.”

The state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okonwa was said to be very bitter about the incident and he had directed all the security agents in the state to swing into action and apprehend the murderers of the highly respected monarch.

The governor reportedly assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to book.

“It was sad that a reigning king was abducted and murdered in the most dehumanizing circumstance by his abductors in the forest. I have directed an inquiry into this abominable act, and call all Deltans, particularly the kingdom and the security agencies to work harmoniously to unearth the culprits”, he was quoted to have said.

Also, a member of House of Representatives, representing Aniocha/Oghimili Federal Constituency, Hon. Joan Mrakpor, who is also a cousin to the murdered monarch, has reportedly described the death as a monumental loss to all Deltans. She therefore called for decisive solutions to the harassment of the civil population in Delta North by nomadic kidnappers.

On Monday, February 1, 2016, ENCOMIUM Weekly contacted the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole on the incident and she assured us of police readiness to ensure that the abductors and killers of Obi Ofulue III do not escape the wrath of the law.

“Yes, we’re aware of the case and we’re on top of it. As a matter of fact, the Inspector General of Police (ICP) Solomon Arase has directed all police formations to swing into action and make sure the killers of the monarch are arrested and also comb all the hideouts in Delta to ensure all the kidnappers are fished out.

“We’re not relenting. We’re on top of the investigations, and very soon the hoodlums will be apprehended.”

The deceased king, 52, was on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Obior/Igodo Road, Delta State along with his driver who later escaped. The abductors reportedly shunned N100 million ransom they demanded and went ahead to kill the monarch. And days after, his decomposing body was found at Ekpon, a village in Edo State. The incident has since created panic among other traditional rulers in Delta and Edo states.

However, about 24 days after the occurrence, another traditional ruler, 96-year-old monarch of Odio Ologbo of Olomoro Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, HRM Josiah Umukoro, Aghaza 1, was also abducted.

But the octogenarian monarch was reported to have been lucky as the kidnappers who bundled him into their car had accident twice. They reportedly abandoned Umukoro in the vehicle, snatched a Kia jeep and escaped.

The incident had reportedly heightened tension in the state as most traditional rulers now shun social functions. And the situation has put all the security operatives in the state on their toes as directed by the Chief Security Officer of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okonwa.

  • TADE ASIFAT
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