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Agbarho, Delta State – Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, alongside his Special Assistant on Social Media, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, has raised alarm over a disturbing wave of child abductions in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area. In a statement issued on September 25, 2025, the senator reported that over six children, mostly aged three to ten, have gone missing in recent months, leaving families devastated and the community gripped by fear.
The crisis, which intensified in June with four reported disappearances, sparked protests by local women on September 16. Tensions escalated further on September 24 when a mob lynched a woman accused of attempting to kidnap a child. Senator Dafinone condemned the vigilante violence, cautioning that such acts deepen the crisis and endanger innocent lives.
“I am deeply alarmed by these abductions,” Dafinone said. “To the grieving families, I offer my heartfelt condolences and pledge to press for answers and justice at the highest levels. Every missing child is a future we cannot afford to lose.”
Echoing the senator’s call, Jokpeme Joseph Omode urged security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the kidnapped children. “We cannot sit back while our children are taken,” Omode said. “I call on the police, NAPTIP, and all relevant agencies to intensify efforts to bring these children back to their families and ensure justice is served.”
Dafinone appealed to the Delta State Police Command, Ughelli Area Command, and federal agencies to bolster investigations, increase patrols, and work closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to dismantle any criminal networks involved, whether tied to ritual killings or human trafficking. He highlighted the recent rescue of eight trafficked children in Delta as proof that proactive measures can deliver results.
The senator also urged community leaders, under the guidance of the Ovie of Agbarho, to strengthen local security through neighborhood watches, parental awareness initiatives, and school partnerships. He stressed the importance of rejecting jungle justice and fostering unity and cooperation with law enforcement.
“As your Senator, I remain committed to securing stronger security interventions and legislative safeguards for Delta Central,” Dafinone affirmed. “Together, we will overcome this menace and restore peace to Agbarho, Ughelli North, and Delta State.”
The statement comes as Agbarho grapples with growing fear and unrest, with residents urged to stay vigilant and support ongoing efforts to rescue the missing children and bring the perpetrators to justice.
